It seems almost sacrilegious for a Christian to admit that they struggle to read the Bible. Perhaps like a mother admitting that she struggles to love her children. I venture to say, there are more Christians who fail to maintain daily devotions than those who don’t. Putting aside time & busyness (which, for the most part are excuses), here are some common reasons why I suspect God’s people find it a challenge to read His Word.

They just don’t get that much from reading it.
They know what the main ideas are, it is laborious to go over the same things.
Some parts are hard to understand; it’s not clear what they are about or what they mean for us.
It is too much effort to use commentaries or other books to help with interpretation and understanding.
The Bible is preached on Sunday and it is easier for someone explain it than read it for myself.

I cannot address all of these points in a short devotional nor can I impart the desire to read God’s Word. I would, however, like to make a few brief suggestions / comments.

Recognise the blessing that it is to be literate and to own a Bible. Would God give to you these gifts and not expect you to use both for His glory and your own spiritual progress? There are many things we do because we know they are good and right, even if not always easy. It is often the case when we begin a course of action that we grow into it and benefit from it.

Pray about this issue. If you know there is a problem, don’t live with it, bring it to God. Confess your coldness of heart and lack of discipline and ask for forgiveness. Pray that God would help you. Pray that He would glorify Himself through His Word. Pray that He would minister to you – rebuke, correction, wisdom, comfort, peace, hope etc. Pray that you will be renewed in your love for Christ and your appreciation of salvation. Pray that you will be moved to worship and serve Him more earnestly.

Commit yourself to daily reading and actually do it. Be deliberate and set time aside. A plan is helpful for guidance but do not see it as meeting a quota – this is not about ticking a box but feeding your soul. Don’t feel that you have to understand every jot & tittle – clarity may come later. Ask questions when you read – what is the context; what can I learn about God, Christ, salvation, sin, responsibilities, blessings etc. Make notes, underline, memorise. Share with others what you have been reading and what has been a blessing.

We are all inconsistent when it comes to our responsibilities before God (including me). Inconsistency, however, is not the same thing as indifference. Inconsistency is weakness, indifference is to live in a state of sin. If you are characterised by indifference, stop choosing sin. There are many struggles in life, the issue is how we respond. We can either give in or overcome. God blesses those who persevere. Persevere, and you may just discover a new-found love for God’s written Word.