Having a hard time committing my time to reading the bible

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steph_rose88

Guest
#1
#1
Why is it so hard to commit to reading the bible daily? I know that I love God with all of my heart and I trust him, but I jst can't seem to feel PUMPED about reading his word. Same with praying, I have a hard time remembering to do that as well. With the Bible it's not jst remembering though, it's also wanting to. If I think to pray I do it, but it's not the same with the bible. Maybe it's because its hard for me to get something out of what I read. It doesn't grab my attention or anything. I want it to though, I would love to be able to read the bible and be excited about what I read, and learn something from it. Does anybody else struggle with this as well? Can somebody give me some kind of advise in this area? I would greatly appreciate it!
 
breno785au

breno785au

Senior Member
#2
Jul 23, 2013
6,002
767
113
39
Australia
#2
Be encouraged sister, your not the only one I know exactly how you feel and am going through the same thing. What ive learnt so far is: Not to stress and condemn yourself over it - I used to do that and base my salvation on my 'performance' on if I prayed and read every single day. Yes obviously the more you do the better, you can never get enough of God. But I found that my heart still cries out to God constantly, God is still with me and God still talks. Things have gotten alot better lately but I still want more! God bless you, i shall pray for you

Ps the best thing I found is to ask Holy Spirit what to read in the word and go with what you hear. I usually found scripture jumps out at me and is what i need to read at the time!
 
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marrion

Guest
#3
#3
I used to have this same issue.
I would force myself to read only to get bored or fall asleep.
I prayed for God to give me more of a desire to read seeing as this is an important part of our walk with Christ.
He waited a while and I sight him more and eventually he answered my prayer.
I think sometimes the Lord loves for s to seek him out on certain things as a way of making us spend time with him.
He loves to be sought out by us and he also promised us that we are blessed even if we hunger and thirst for righteousness and we shall be filled.
 
Blain

Blain

The Word Weaver
#4
Aug 28, 2012
19,212
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#4
steph_rose88 said:
Why is it so hard to commit to reading the bible daily? I know that I love God with all of my heart and I trust him, but I jst can't seem to feel PUMPED about reading his word. Same with praying, I have a hard time remembering to do that as well. With the Bible it's not jst remembering though, it's also wanting to. If I think to pray I do it, but it's not the same with the bible. Maybe it's because its hard for me to get something out of what I read. It doesn't grab my attention or anything. I want it to though, I would love to be able to read the bible and be excited about what I read, and learn something from it. Does anybody else struggle with this as well? Can somebody give me some kind of advise in this area? I would greatly appreciate it!
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You are not alone, this has been an issue for me for my entire faith. when I first came to Christ for three straight months I devoured the word day by day but the suddenly one day the desire was Gone and I found it very hard to read the word. so basically instead of fretting about reading the word everyday I just read a couple verses here and there or just read it when I feel led to. I have also found the a change in environment helps a lot, I believe the devil does not want us reading so he tries to discourage us by making us lose the desire to read. but the funny thing is, I found the desire to slowly begin creeping up on me more and more as time goes by. After all. all seasons must end at some point.
 
RedTent

RedTent

Banned
#5
Oct 31, 2011
8,200
182
0
#5
When I was busy with kids, job, housework and all, it seemed to me I wasn't praying. I was teaching Sunday School, and often spoke of God to my family. My husband resented it. I decided I would try living as if God wasn't in control.

It was a disaster! The lawn had to be mowed, and the grass was growing because God could do it, no one else could. I was out at night, we lived in the country, and the stars were an absolute wonder. My children weren't there when we married, and they just came from no where. God is so much a part of life, it is impossible not to spend your life in communication with Him.
 
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SpaceCowboy

Guest
#6
#6
Its just a matter of discipline.
 
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Bryancampbell

Guest
#7
#7
Maybe we should do a daily reading plan for all those on here having a hard time, so we can be committed together. How would that sound you guys?
 
notuptome

notuptome

Senior Member
#8
May 17, 2013
15,050
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#8
Luke 10:27 Love the Lord thy God with all thy heart.... When we do this all the distractions fade and we learn the joy of God's presence in our life. What is on the altar of our heart that is separating us from our God? Reading God's word and praying to God ought to be the highest joys of our day.

For the cause of Christ
Rogr
 
C

chatter23

Banned
#9
Oct 12, 2013
481
0
0
#9
steph_rose88 said:
Why is it so hard to commit to reading the bible daily? I know that I love God with all of my heart and I trust him, but I jst can't seem to feel PUMPED about reading his word. Same with praying, I have a hard time remembering to do that as well. With the Bible it's not jst remembering though, it's also wanting to. If I think to pray I do it, but it's not the same with the bible. Maybe it's because its hard for me to get something out of what I read. It doesn't grab my attention or anything. I want it to though, I would love to be able to read the bible and be excited about what I read, and learn something from it. Does anybody else struggle with this as well? Can somebody give me some kind of advise in this area? I would greatly appreciate it!
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That is a blessing. Most study and memorize the word intellectually. One of these days you will open the bible and out will spring something that will grab you and it will be what you need.
no struggle, just insights that will draw you to the living God, not your intellect.
You are okay
 
4enlightment

4enlightment

Banned
#10
May 15, 2013
4,307
27
0
#10
steph_rose88 said:
Why is it so hard to commit to reading the bible daily? I know that I love God with all of my heart and I trust him, but I jst can't seem to feel PUMPED about reading his word. Same with praying, I have a hard time remembering to do that as well. With the Bible it's not jst remembering though, it's also wanting to. If I think to pray I do it, but it's not the same with the bible. Maybe it's because its hard for me to get something out of what I read. It doesn't grab my attention or anything. I want it to though, I would love to be able to read the bible and be excited about what I read, and learn something from it. Does anybody else struggle with this as well? Can somebody give me some kind of advise in this area? I would greatly appreciate it!
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Mark 4:19but the worries of this life, the deceitfulness of wealth and the desires for other things come in and choke the word, making it unfruitful.


 
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GreenNnice

Guest
#11
#11
Is the understanding of the words hard for you, stephHisrose? If so, then, maybe, read the bible alongside a commentary, like Halley's Bible Handbook. the bible is a beautiful book, let His Spirit lead yours, He will teach you greatly, reveal Himself to you, increase your faith, all of that, and, more, so much more, only for your desire to delight yourself in Him, in His ways for you, and, definitely reading the bible is a big way we delight ourselves in Him. He sees our heart through that kind of work we do, and, we are His workmanship, we should want to work on improving our relationship with our creator, Lord Jesus, who, one day, will you be with every day of your life, forever, and, forever is quite a duration of time. Psalms 37:4. :)
 
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crossnote

crossnote

Senior Member
#12
Nov 24, 2012
30,742
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#12
Sometimes a good book on the bible will 'prime the pump'. Otherwise, I wouldn't hang until you 'feel pumped' that feeling may never come.
 
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reject-tech

Guest
#13
#13
Next time you help someone and feel happy for them, see if you're not drawn to open the bible, and if it doesn't say something special. You'll probably get a good dose of grace.
 
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Kerry

Guest
#14
#14
MY friend look to the cross. And when you see that, you will fall in love with the word. to the point that you can't put it down. even the begats of Numbers.
 
Brother_Don

Brother_Don

Banned
#15
Jul 27, 2011
1,622
89
0
#15
when i started to read the word it would be only when i needed guidance, an answer. Then after a while of doing that, it seemed like God was speaking right to me through His Word, and it got to be that i hungered for his word, and now i stay hungry for it, and it is always new.
 
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BeanieD

Guest
#16
#16
I am currently dealing with the same thing right now. There have been many times that I would study my heart out and I loved it. Right now it is so hard to do, and I guess that is one reason I am here. I don't have anyone to study with and going to church is not something I can physically do anymore. Something will just hit you and you will be back in it again.

Blessings hon and praying for you:)
 
just-me

just-me

Banned
#17
Mar 4, 2013
7,761
107
0
#17
steph_rose88 said:
Why is it so hard to commit to reading the bible daily? I know that I love God with all of my heart and I trust him, but I jst can't seem to feel PUMPED about reading his word. Same with praying, I have a hard time remembering to do that as well. With the Bible it's not jst remembering though, it's also wanting to. If I think to pray I do it, but it's not the same with the bible. Maybe it's because its hard for me to get something out of what I read. It doesn't grab my attention or anything. I want it to though, I would love to be able to read the bible and be excited about what I read, and learn something from it. Does anybody else struggle with this as well? Can somebody give me some kind of advise in this area? I would greatly appreciate it!
Click to expand...
In reference to the OP
It has been up and down for me as well. Lately it's been much better, for I study by subject, and read chronologically in the interim. I use the KJV that can be used very well with the Strong’s concordance. I find it fascinating to look up names in the Hebrew language that mean certain attributes of character, for instance, Jonah, and dove are the same, and related to wine. Jonah was the sign Jesus gave, and wine is used as a metaphor for the covenants, (old and new) and doves, or turtledoves were in sacrifices. Studying the attribute of fermenting wine, the gentility of doves, and the repentance that Jonah represents, is very fascinating to me in understanding the Word of God. I have recently gotten into the Hebrew language because it is 4 dimensional Not to learn how to read, or speak it, but to understand the language of the Old Testament. As far as praying, that increased with sincerity after I started doing all this. I found myself praying more sincerely in that I knew that God needed to do things within my heart and soul that I couldn’t do on my own.
God bless sis.
 
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savedandhopeful

Guest
#18
#18
steph_rose89 said:
Why is it so hard to commit to reading the bible daily? I know that I love God with all of my heart and I trust him, but I jst can't seem to feel PUMPED about reading his word. Same with praying, I have a hard time remembering to do that as well. With the Bible it's not jst remembering though, it's also wanting to. If I think to pray I do it, but it's not the same with the bible. Maybe it's because its hard for me to get something out of what I read. It doesn't grab my attention or anything. I want it to though, I would love to be able to read the bible and be excited about what I read, and learn something from it. Does anybody else struggle with this as well? Can somebody give me some kind of advise in this area? I would greatly appreciate it!
Click to expand...
You are not alone in these struggles, I recently bought a nice study bible with a lot of color photographs and info ...it seems to help me stay interested. I would say do not beat yourself up over it, just pray about it and ask God to give the desire for reading His word...He knows our hearts...
 
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arb71

Guest
#19
#19
I believe you are on the right track! You want to have the desire to study God's Word, pray and strengthen your relationship with Christ and for that alone, God is pleased. I have gone through the same struggles in the past. Holiness is a beautiful lifestyle and we have to live it ONE DAY AT A TIME. And I love that Jesus said, Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. Matt 11:29. It is a learning process, just like we have to learn everything else. The key for me was, not to give up, not to stop! Even when I did not wish to study or pray, I took time out to do it anyway, even if it was just for ten minutes a day (remember, it is the devil's goal to distract us and get us to stop trying). I did not know what to study, so I went to the Book of Psalms and read scriptures from there. I would pray for five minutes, and ask the Lord to give me a love for his Word and prayer...give me understanding of your Word, give me what to study...He will honor you and your prayers, but He does not want you to give in to those feelings the devil will bring. Bottom line, persistence (no matter what my feeling) and being consistent (everyday) paid off. I LOVE STUDYING the Word now, can't get enough. I love to pray now...I also fast more, which helps a great deal. Finally, being involved in Bible study at my church and finding others who love studying the Word helped me a great deal as well. Just don't stop doing it, no matter what and you will begin to strengthen your bond with Christ and the desire to study and pray will greatly increase! I am a witness.
 
O

ob77

Banned
#20
Mar 8, 2014
273
3
0
#20
steph_rose88 said:
Why is it so hard to commit to reading the bible daily? I know that I love God with all of my heart and I trust him, but I jst can't seem to feel PUMPED about reading his word. Same with praying, I have a hard time remembering to do that as well. With the Bible it's not jst remembering though, it's also wanting to. If I think to pray I do it, but it's not the same with the bible. Maybe it's because its hard for me to get something out of what I read. It doesn't grab my attention or anything. I want it to though, I would love to be able to read the bible and be excited about what I read, and learn something from it. Does anybody else struggle with this as well? Can somebody give me some kind of advise in this area? I would greatly appreciate it!
Click to expand...
Listen, Beloved. God knows as well as all of us, that the daily challenges we face do not afford us the time we would like to pursue the things we would wish. Most of my study was in my younger days when I could stay awake late at night and look up countless things, page by page. Fortunately for me, I have a tremendous memory and everything I post here is on the fly, without looking things up. As time passes, that may change, I hope not. Needless to say, we all have been there, really.
God will not give you more than you can handle, ever. Hang in there, do what you can, when you can, but do your best. If you do that, God will honor it.
 
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