A lot of people complain that they fall asleep when it is time to read their Bibles. They see the Bible as a boring book and opt for novels, movies and games over their Bible study time. You can totally enjoy your Bible reading time and in this article, I will show you how:
1. Pray before and after reading the Bible. The Bible is neither a story book nor a textbook. It was written under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit and it is important to ask for the author’s help before and after you read it. You ask for His help by praying. David understood this when He said this prayer, ‘Open thou mine eyes that I may behold wondrous things out of thy law.’ (Psalm 119:18). Just as those who go for treasure hunts need some sort of guidance, you also need the help of the Holy Spirit when reading the Bible. When praying, you can ask God for understanding before you read the Bible and ask Him for grace to obey after reading.
2. Share what you read with someone. One of the easiest ways to remember what you have read is to teach someone that same thing. Never be ashamed of talking to your friends about what you read each day in the Bible. This motivates you to read your Bible daily and enjoy it while you do. Maximize free periods at school to discuss the scriptures with others; great insight and revelations often come from such discussions.
3. Find a simple version of the Bible. When I was a teenager, I had a serious challenge with reading the “thous,” “shalt,” “watereth” etc. in the King James Version. If you have this same challenge, you need to find a version that suits you best. I would recommend The Living Bible (TLB)
4. Journal and personalize what you read. The Bible is God’s Word to you because it was written for you. It is God’s personal love letter to you to teach you how to live and help you know Him better. Therefore, it is essential for you to believe that every word written in it has a personal message for you. No one treats the President’s personal message to them carelessly. They keep such a message and even save it in numerous places so that it doesn’t accidentally get lost. Understanding how personal the Bible is to you will help you cherish every moment you spend reading it. Don’t read the Bible like it’s a story. Instead, see it as a guide for living. In addition, write down important and key things in your notepads. Personalize what you write. Instead of writing, “Thou shalt not steal”, write, “Emmanuel, do not steal today.”.
5. Have a workable plan. Create a time for Bible Study. Your studying time should be well planned. Ensure that whatever time you choose is devoid of distractions. You can decide to study every morning, or at night before you go to bed.
6. Read the Bible slowly. Don’t be under pressure to finish the Bible in a year. By God’s grace, you have a whole lot of years in front of you. Take in little amounts of the Word of God. Don’t rush. Read it slowly and you will enjoy it. For a start, you can decide to read two verses in a day or a whole story. Apply whatever lessons you learn daily and you will experience spiritual growth.
7. Read the New Testament first before the Old Testament. It is advisable you read the New Testament first before the Old Testament. Your mind might find it difficult to handle the complexities of the Old Testament, so start with the New Testament. Then, move to Psalms, Proverbs and the other books of Solomon before you go to the other books of the Old Testament. This way, you would have understood enough to handle whatever you read in the Law and the Prophets.
8. Ask questions. This is the final step on how to enjoy reading your Bible. Just like you would ask your teacher questions when you don’t understand a subject, you should ask questions when you don’t understand something in the Bible. Instead of trying to process what you don’t understand with head knowledge, ask your parents. However, if your parents are not born again, speak to your Sunday School teacher, Youth Pastor or any good Bible teacher. Asking questions will help you find answers to tough topics and these answers will whet your appetite for more of God’s word.
Make the Bible your friend today. Love it, read it and study it. Obey what it says and you will make your way prosperous.