When Bible Reading Gets Hard: 5 Questions Every Christian Asks (And Honest Answers That Help)
Let’s be real for a minute—reading the Bible consistently is hard sometimes. Life gets busy. Motivation dips. Distractions pile up. And even when we do open our Bibles, we’re not always sure what to do with what we read.
If you’ve ever felt stuck, dry, or unsure in your walk with Jesus, you’re not alone.
Here are five honest questions I hear often — and how I’ve personally wrestled through them in my own walk. These are the rhythms that have helped me stay rooted in God’s Word — and I believe they can help you, too.
1. “How can I stay consistent when life gets busy or motivation fades?”
Consistency starts with simplicity.
You don’t need a 60-minute quiet time with the perfect playlist and pour-over coffee. You just need a plan. When motivation fades (and it will), structure carries you.
One of the best things I’ve done is anchor my Bible time to something that already exists in my day — like that first cup of coffee in the morning. I open the Word before I open my phone. That one habit has become a game-changer.
And give yourself grace. Missing a day doesn’t mean you’ve failed. Pick up where you left off and keep walking.
2. “What’s the difference between reading Scripture and meditating on it?”
Reading gets it in front of you. Meditating gets it inside you.
We live in a world that rushes everything — including our spiritual life. But Scripture is meant to be savored, not just scanned.
Meditation means slowing down, asking questions, and coming back to a verse again and again. The HEAR Method (Highlight, Explain, Apply, Respond) has been one of my go-to tools for this. It helps me not just read the Word but interact with it.
3. “How do I go deeper, not just skim the surface?”
Ask better questions.
Instead of “What does this mean for me?” try asking:
- What does this reveal about God?
- Why did the Holy Spirit preserve this for us?
- What’s the context here?
Also: don’t be afraid to use tools. A solid study Bible, commentary, or trusted podcast can open your eyes to things you might have missed.
And read in community. Some of my deepest insights have come from simply talking about Scripture with a friend or small group.
4. “What do I do when a passage feels confusing or unclear?”
First, take a deep breath.
Not everything will make sense right away — and that’s okay. The Bible is rich, layered, and often stretches us beyond quick answers.
In those moments, I pray: “Lord, help me see what You want me to see today.” Sometimes I’ll reread it in a different translation, or I’ll grab a commentary. But other times, I just sit with the tension and trust that clarity will come in time.
God’s not trying to confuse you — He wants to be known. Keep leaning in.
5. “What spiritual discipline has most strengthened your walk with Jesus?”
Without question: abiding in God’s Word.
John 15:4–5 has become my anchor verse:
“Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself… neither can you, unless you abide in me.”
For years, I tried to earn my growth through effort. But abiding isn’t about striving — it’s about staying. Staying close to Jesus. Staying in His Word. Staying in step with the Spirit.
That’s the heartbeat behind Rhythm of Abide — helping people build simple, life-giving rhythms that keep them connected to the Vine.
Final Thought: A Verse That’s Been Speaking to Me Lately
“I am the vine; you are the branches… apart from me you can do nothing.” — John 15:5
That’s it. That’s the reminder I need on repeat.
Not to do more. Not to try harder.
But to stay close — and let fruit grow from that place.
Want to build a daily Bible rhythm that actually sticks?
👉 Join the 30-Day John Study and learn how to engage the Bible in a way that’s simple, sustainable, and Spirit-led.
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