“Why do you spend your money for that which is not bread, and your labor for that which does not satisfy? Listen diligently to me, and eat what is good, and delight yourselves in rich food.” Isaiah 55:2 (ESV)

This place I’m in feels familiar. As I open Scripture, it occurs to me that I’ve been here before, many times. It’s called “being bored with my Bible.” Sound familiar to you?

I would be lying if I said I never (or rarely) felt this way. Boredom with the Bible is a common struggle. The question is: What do we do with it when it comes? I have found three things to be helpful.

1. It’s helpful to remember what a privilege the Bible is.

The God of the universe, who is holy and awesome, has spokento us in a book. That is an astounding gift! The Bible is God’s breathed-out Word, the very voice of our Creator and Savior printed on paper pages with ink. Our God wants to talk with us!

We don’t deserve this. We can’t earn this. We simply rejoice in it with awe and wonder, receiving God’s gracious invitation when He beckons us, “Listen diligently to me, and eat what is good, and delight yourselves in rich food” (Isaiah 55:2b). Scripture is a sacred privilege.

2. It’s helpful to remember our dependence on God’s Spirit.

When we read our Bibles (or hear a biblical sermon), a supernatural miracle is happening: an encounter with Jesus Christ. The whole Bible points to Him because He is the point of the whole Bible.

But this encounter isn’t something we can make happen through our own efforts. Engaging with the Bible isn’t about checking off a to-do list, earning brownie points with God, or even just gaining knowledge about Him. (I’m guilty of believing all of these things.) It’s about knowing and loving an actual, living person: Jesus.

It’s easy for me to forget that I can’t possibly come to Scripture in my own strength and wisdom but only because of Christ and through His Holy Spirit. We are entirely dependent on God to open our eyes to love His words and see His wonders in Scripture.

3. It’s helpful to remember to be creative.

There isn’t one right way to engage with God’s Word. The Bible doesn’t give us a prescriptive reading plan but gives us wonderful freedom to be creative! If you’re bored with Bible reading, one remedy might be to switch things up and make a change.

For example, instead of following the same reading plan (again!), try a new one. Read alongside a friend, and talk about what you learn. Engage with an in-depth Bible study or a book that centers on Scripture. Listen to an audio Bible while you do chores, exercise or commute. Read a devotional with your kids. The possibilities are numerous, and we are free to be creative with them.

The good news for bored people like you and me? God doesn’t want us to stay there.

In His Son, Jesus, He has purchased for us the privilege of drawing near to Him. When we were once estranged from God, searching to satisfy our spiritual hunger anywhere else, He rescued us. Now He wants to satisfy us with Himself — and He does this through His life-giving, sustaining words.

What a delight!

Heavenly Father, we praise You and thank You for the gift of Your holy words given to us in Scripture. Help us always remember what a privilege it is to hear You speak in our Bibles. Stir our longing for Your words, and satisfy us with Yourself. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

OUR FAVORITE THINGS

For more encouragement to grow your appetite for God’s Word, grab a copy of Kristen Wetherell’s book, Help for the Hungry Soul.

Do you know and love young kids? It’s never too early to teach little ones the truths of Scripture! Kristen has written board books for children (ages 0-4) called God Cares for Me, God Hears Me and God Speaks to Me. Grab your copies!

ENGAGE

To connect with Kristen, join her monthly-ish email newsletter, Nourished. Or visit Kristen’s website for more resources.

Enter to WIN your very own copy of Help for the Hungry Soul by Kristen Wetherell. To celebrate this book, Kristen’s publisher will give away 5 copies! Enter to win by leaving a comment here. {We’ll randomly select 5 winners and then notify each one in the comments section by Monday, October 9, 2023.}

FOR DEEPER STUDY

Psalm 119:81, “My soul longs for your salvation; I hope in your word” (ESV).

How would you describe your current appetite for God’s Word?

What are some practical, creative ways you like to engage with Scripture? Share some ideas in the comments.

© 2023 by Kristen Wetherell. All rights reserved.

Proverbs 31 Ministries thanks Crossway Books for their sponsorship of today’s devotion.

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