Question: I am a Christian but I find studying the Bible a difficult thing to do. Most times I have to force myself to study. This really troubles me because I want to have a constant connection with God. What can I do?

Answer: We would suggest five things. First, change the way you view Bible study. Rather than seeing it as a chore or a discipline (like exercise), consider it a privilege. You need to realize that the Bible is God’s active, living Word to you personally. It is His message of love. It is your guide for life. It is God’s blueprint for your success. Read Psalm 119:105; 2 Timothy 3:16; Hebrews 4:12. The Bible is the primary way God connects with you (on the other hand, the way you connect with God is through prayer).

Second, if you can, find a Bible translation that you can understand. If you’re using the King James Version of the Bible, that’s too difficult. Try the New International Version. It’s much more readable. That doesn’t mean that you will be able to understand everything, but you will be reading the Bible in a language and a style that’s easier to understand.

Third, pray and ask God to give you understanding. As a Christian, you have the Holy Spirit living in you, and one of the main things He does for you is to give you understanding into God’s Word. Read John 16:12-13 and 1 Corinthians 2:10-16.

Fourth, you may want to get a book about the Bible, something like a guidebook to help you get a “birds eye” view of the Bible and to give you a picture of the different themes and genres of the Bible (history, poetry, prophecy, etc.). Our book, Knowing the Bible 101, would be a big help to you.

Finally, get involved in a group Bible study. Sometimes you need to be alone with God’s Word, but other times the encouragement and insights of other believers will help you better understand the Scriptures.

We hope this helps. May God bless you as you read and study His Word!