When the going gets tough.
Someone recently said, “I’m embarrassed to say this, but I must admit that my Bible reading’s dry – I’m getting nothing out of it. I’ve been reading the Bible for fifty years, and it’s been a grinding routine for the past two years.” “I know”, I replied. “Sometimes it can be a tough slog. I’ve had times when it feels like there’s nothing fresh.” We chatted for some time . . .
How to overcome dry Bible reading.
So, how do we turn it around when we struggle to meet God through His Word? What do we do when our expectations of hearing God speaking through the Scriptures are at an all-time low? Here are some suggestions:
Mix it up.
Sometimes, we get into a rut. We read the same version of the Bible over and over again. Why not try a different version or a paraphrase? There are more than 800 English versions to choose from!
Connect with others.
Personal Bible reading and reflection must be balanced with communal reading and reflection. Why? Because two are better than one. When one falls down, the other can help pick him/her up (cf. Ecclesiastes 4:9-10).
Open up.
The Bible is good news for our lives. Are we reading it as such? Let’s be careful not to tame the Word or reduce it to the scale of our ideas. Before reading the Scriptures, we should ask God to unlock our minds to His transforming power (cf. Romans 12:2).
Use a reading guide.
Be alert to the insights that come from others. Yes, I know the Holy Spirit is the Teacher and instructs us directly from the Word, but He also works through human teachers to unpack the meaning of a text, challenge our prejudices and expose our blind spots.
Linger longer.
We’re more likely to encounter God when we slow down. Most of us live with the tyranny of the urgent, but not God! To meet on His turf, we must “be still” (cf. Psalm 46:10), which in context means “Enough! Stop trying to have control over things!”
Focus.
There’s a tendency to read the Bible almost exclusively to find out what to do. We should read it to find out who we are and ought to be. Interact with the Bible like you would with a mirror. Look into it and ask, “Who am I? Who do You want me to be?”
Live it.
God’s Word has a claim on our lives – a purpose. We should be living epistles. The litmus test of Bible reading is whether or not we’ve acted on what we’ve discovered. Bible reading must translate into a response. Imitate Jesus (cf. Philippians 2:1-11). Act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with God (cf. Micah 6:8).
When Bible reading becomes dry, it’s an invitation to refresh your approach. Mix things up, connect with others, and let God’s Word speak to you in new ways. By focusing on transformation and living out the teachings of Scripture, you’ll find renewed strength and purpose in your spiritual journey.
How to overcome dry Bible reading. Do you have some suggestions?
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Summary
How to overcome dry Bible reading. When Bible reading feels unfruitful, it’s common to struggle with finding a fresh connection to God’s Word. To overcome this, try mixing up your approach by exploring different Bible versions or paraphrases. Engaging with others through group Bible study, using guides for deeper understanding, and slowing down to reflect can also help rekindle your spiritual vitality. Ultimately, living out what you read, focusing on who you are in Christ, and allowing God’s Word to transform your life are key to deepening your relationship with God.
© Scripture Union Canada
