What to Do When You’re Struggling to Read Your Bible

We all hit those seasons where reading the Bible feels more like a chore than a joy. You sit down, open the pages, and... nothing. No connection, no spark, and honestly, you'd rather do just about anything else. Been there? Me too.

Here’s the thing: reading your Bible is a choice, and while you want to do it, there's someone out there who is just as determined to keep you from it. Spoiler alert: it’s not your kids. But let’s be real—life happens, and sometimes we lose our groove. When I’ve hit a season where it’s hard to prioritize my Bible reading, there are three things that help me hit reset.

1. Ditch the Digital
Raise your hand if you’ve ever gotten sidetracked by your phone... again. (Raises hand sheepishly.) If I want to focus on God’s Word, my phone and laptop have to be out of the room. Let’s just say it’s impossible to have a heart-to-heart with God while simultaneously falling down a YouTube rabbit hole about how to fold fitted sheets. Yes, the digital world can be a great resource for Bible study, but when I need to refocus, the screens need to go. It's not that digital tools are evil—there's just a time and place. And that time and place is not when I’m struggling to keep my head in the Bible.

2. Set a Time (and Actually Stick to It)
I’m great at setting a time... sticking to it, though? Yeah, not so much. Life happens—school breaks, holidays, the dog gets sick, you get sick. And suddenly, my nice Bible routine has vanished like my last piece of chocolate. The key? Make a time that’s non-negotiable. Like, if the world is falling apart, this is still my Bible time. You don’t have to be a morning person or a night owl—just find a time that works for you, and give yourself grace when things get off track. (Because they will.)

3. Have a Plan
Nothing derails a quiet time faster than staring at your Bible like it’s a math test you forgot to study for. Trust me, I’ve been there. “What should I read today? Hmm... maybe Leviticus?” (Spoiler: don’t start with Leviticus if you’re struggling.) The point is, having a plan is a game changer. Whether it’s a reading plan, a devotional, or just a list of things you want to pray through, going in with a roadmap can make all the difference. When you don’t have a plan, it’s way too easy to let distractions (and doubts) take over.

So, when the Bible feels distant or hard, try these three simple steps: unplug, set a time, and make a plan. You might just find yourself rekindling that connection with God you’ve been missing. And if you’re like me, you’ll wonder why you ever let yourself get so far off track in the first place. But hey, it happens—and God’s grace is big enough to cover even our most distracted seasons.