How to Study the Bible for Yourself (and Actually Enjoy It)

How to Study the Bible for Yourself (and Actually Enjoy It)

Blog: Walks With the Lord

Have you ever opened your Bible, full of good intentions, only to feel overwhelmed, confused, or even… bored? You’re not alone. Studying the Bible for yourself can seem intimidating—especially when you’re not sure where to start or how to make sense of it all. But here's the good news: Bible study isn't meant to be a chore or a confusing ritual. It's a deeply personal and rewarding journey into God's Word—a conversation with the living God who desires to speak to you.

In this post, we’ll explore why people struggle with Bible study, how to overcome those hurdles, and most importantly, how to actually enjoy the process. Whether you're a new believer or a seasoned Christian looking to rekindle your love for Scripture, there’s something here for you.

Why Studying the Bible Can Feel Hard (and What to Do About It)

Let’s be honest—many people struggle to study the Bible consistently. Here are some of the most common challenges and how to overcome them:

1. “I don’t know where to start.”

The struggle: The Bible is a big book—66 books, thousands of years of history, various genres, and unfamiliar names. Opening it at random can feel like jumping into the middle of a movie.

The solution: Start with a plan. Don’t feel pressured to begin at Genesis unless you’re doing a whole-Bible read-through. The Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John) are great for beginners, offering a front-row seat to Jesus’ life and teachings.

Try this: Use a reading plan (like the Bible in a year, a 30-day topical plan, or the “SOAP” method—Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer). Apps like YouVersion offer countless options for all experience levels.

2. “I don’t understand what I’m reading.”

The struggle: Ancient languages, cultural references, and symbolic imagery can leave modern readers scratching their heads.

The solution: Use a study Bible or Bible commentary. These resources explain difficult passages and provide historical context that brings the Word to life.

Try this: Before reading, pray for understanding. James 1:5 says, “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God… and it will be given to him.” Also, compare different translations (like NIV, ESV, or NLT) to help clarify meaning.

3. “I don’t have time.”

The struggle: Life is busy. Between work, family, and responsibilities, fitting in Bible study often gets pushed aside.

The solution: Start small. Quality matters more than quantity. Even 10-15 focused minutes can bear fruit.

Try this: Set a regular time and place—maybe early in the morning, during lunch, or before bed. Make it a habit. Keep your Bible or app nearby and ask God to multiply the time you give Him.

4. “I get bored.”

The struggle: Sometimes, especially in books like Leviticus or genealogies, the Bible can feel dry.

The solution: Don’t be afraid to switch up your approach. Bible study doesn’t have to look the same every day.

Try this: Journal as you read, listen to Scripture through audio apps, draw or map out concepts visually, or follow a theme like “God’s promises” or “the character of Jesus.” Variety can refresh your spiritual appetite.

Tips for Studying the Bible (and Loving It)

Now that we’ve tackled common struggles, let’s dig into some practical tips for enjoying your Bible study time.

1. Make it Personal

The Bible isn’t just a history book—it’s God’s love letter to you. Approach it expecting to hear from Him.

Tip: Ask these questions as you read:

  • What is God revealing about Himself?

  • What is He showing me about human nature?

  • How does this apply to my life today?

Hebrews 4:12 reminds us, “The word of God is living and active…” That means it speaks to your specific needs, questions, and heartache—even today.

2. Involve Prayer

Prayer and Bible study go hand in hand. Begin with prayer, asking the Holy Spirit to teach you. End with prayer, responding to what you’ve read.

Example:
“Lord, open my eyes to see Your truth. Help me understand what You’re saying and apply it to my life. Speak to me through Your Word today.”

When you involve prayer, Bible study becomes a two-way conversation, not just reading words on a page.

3. Create an Atmosphere You Enjoy

Your Bible study space matters. Make it inviting. Brew a cup of coffee or tea, light a candle, play soft worship music, and create a peaceful, distraction-free space.

Why it helps: When you associate Bible study with a comforting atmosphere, it feels more like a joy than a duty.

4. Take Notes and Reflect

Writing things down helps you remember and process what you’re learning. Whether it’s journaling, highlighting, or margin notes, find a system that works for you.

Ideas:

  • Use a Bible journal or notebook.

  • Create mind maps or visual illustrations.

  • Make lists of key takeaways or verses to memorize.

5. Find a Bible Study Buddy or Group

Studying alone is great, but studying with others can add accountability and deeper insight.

Try this: Join a Bible study group at your church or start a weekly Bible discussion with a friend or family member. Even reading through the same book separately and chatting once a week can be powerful.

Hebrews 10:24-25 reminds us not to give up meeting together, and that includes encouraging one another in the Word.

6. Let Scripture Shape You, Not Just Inform You

The ultimate goal of Bible study isn’t just knowledge—it’s transformation. The Bible isn’t something to “get through”; it’s something to live out.

James 1:22 says, “Do not merely listen to the word… Do what it says.”

Ask the Holy Spirit to help you apply what you’ve read. Even one verse, when lived out, is more powerful than reading ten chapters without application.

Verses That Inspire a Love for God’s Word

Let these verses reignite your passion for Scripture:

  • Psalm 119:105 – “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.”

  • Joshua 1:8 – “Meditate on it day and night… then you will be prosperous and successful.”

  • 2 Timothy 3:16-17 – “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness.”

Final Thoughts: It's a Walk, Not a Race

Studying the Bible is a lifelong journey. You’re not expected to master it overnight. Be patient with yourself. The goal isn’t perfection—it’s progress, presence with God, and a growing relationship with your Savior.

Some days will feel rich and profound. Others might feel dry or confusing. But every time you open your Bible, you’re planting seeds that will bear fruit in due season (Galatians 6:9).

The more you study God’s Word, the more you’ll crave it. The more you apply it, the more joy you’ll find in it. And the more you fall in love with the Author, the more exciting every page will become.

Let’s Hear From You!

Have you struggled with Bible study in the past? What has helped you fall in love with God’s Word? Do you have a favorite Bible study method or tool?

Share your thoughts, stories, and tips in the comments! You never know who you might encourage.

Together, let’s grow in our walk with the Lord—one verse, one prayer, one joyful encounter at a time.

Walks With the Lord
Because every journey with Jesus begins with a single step into His Word.


🕊️ A Prayer to Delight in God's Word

Heavenly Father,

Thank You for the precious gift of Your Word. It is living, active, and full of truth. Lord, I confess that sometimes I struggle to understand it, to stay consistent, or to feel excited about reading it. But I want to know You more. I want to hear Your voice and walk in Your ways.

Holy Spirit, be my teacher and my guide. Open my eyes to see the wonderful things in Your Word (Psalm 119:18). Give me wisdom, insight, and a heart that is eager to learn. Remove distractions and discouragement, and replace them with joy, hunger, and delight.

Help me not to just read the Bible for knowledge, but to allow it to change me from the inside out. Let Your truth take root in my heart so that I may live it out daily in love, grace, and obedience.

Lord, give me consistency, discipline, and a deep desire to meet with You. Let this time in Your Word be sacred—an anchor for my soul, a light to my path, and a wellspring of life.

In Jesus’ powerful name I pray,
Amen.


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