“Pastor, I struggle to read the Bible. After reading one chapter, I get tired. What can I do?”

I’m pretty sure this isn’t peculiar to reading the Bible, you probably get tired while reading anything long or not likely to be completed in the shortest time. What I mean is, if it would require that you commit more of your time to it, then you’d most likely get tired of reading it – especially if there are more pressing things on your mind.

There are quite a number of possible reasons for this situation, but let’s touch a few:

1. RELATIVITY

There are times when you may be interested in what you’re reading, but because the author or writer hasn’t been able to relate his message to your personality, you may get tired even before completing the first chapter.

I remember how I got the push to write my first book in 2012, I just acquired a book titled “PUT YOUR TALENT TO WORK”. I tried really hard to read that book but I just couldn’t relate. The more I tried, the more I got exhausted. It was after several attempts that I heard the Holy Spirit say “You can do better”. That was the day I began to write the book titled “Maximizing Your Intellect”. Unfortunately, I lost the manuscript, and it was never published.

That experience taught me that just because a book has a title I may need doesn’t mean I’d be able to relate with the mode of writing. This is also why I don’t feel bad when some people tell me that my articles are always too long to read, I understand the situation. If they find a writing that relates to them, they’d finish a book without knowing.

I hope I’m not confusing you. Relativity in this case isn’t necessarily about the knowledge within the writing or the teaching, it’s not even about the length or volume, but about the spirit behind the communication. This is why I encourage people to find authors and preachers whose teachings or writings flows without hindrance in their heart. For instance, I wasn’t a fan of long sermons, but the first day I listened to Apostle Joshua Selman’s message, a one hour sermon felt like five minutes, and that’s because I could easily connect.

Attempting to read the Bible without the inspiration of the Holy Spirit will definitely frustrate you. Even the same Bible forewarns us that the letter killeth, and that only the Spirit maketh alive. This is why Believers are generally admonished to seek the help of the Holy Spirit before they read the Bible.

John’s view about the responsibility of the Holy Spirit when it comes to God’s word is so profound. Let’s read what it says;

John 6:
63 It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life.

Did you see that? God’s word is a spirit that has potential to give you a life. However, it is only the Holy Spirit that can quicken the written text to become spirit in your heart, and eventually give you a life.

When I say “life”, I don’t necessarily mean longevity, I mean the kind of life that God’s word promises. A life of dominion and fruitfulness. But you can’t have this life except the Holy Spirit quickens the written word to become spirit and life.

Personally, one of the reasons why I love reading the Bible is because each time I do, the Holy Spirit opens my eyes to new depths that I was never aware of. And once I apply them, they immediately reflect in my life.

2. INTEREST

That’s right! What you’re reading may be valuable yet may not be of interest to you at the time you are reading it.

This is peculiar among people who have found purpose, they’d often give priority to any knowledge that helps boost the fulfillment of their purpose.

I’ve heard people tell me things like, “Anslem, there’s a book I’d like you to read, you’d love it”. I’d get that book with excitement, only to realize that it didn’t interest me as they said. I’ve since stopped buying books by recommendation. Instead, I buy books that align with my purpose.

Coincidentally, some of those books I didn’t have interest in may later pick my interest. Whoever said “no knowledge is a waste” clearly understood what that statement meant.

3. IMPATIENCE/HASTE

This is definitely an attack – especially if there’s nothing you’re going off to do.

Getting sustainable knowledge takes time and patience. There are times you’d need to read and re-read to understand one sentence, and that’s why an impatient or hasty person cannot be broad when it comes to knowledge.

This kind of attack can only be dealt with by discipline. Discipline yourself to read at a scheduled time daily, and ensure you learn something you can retain in your memory. The more you practice that, the more you get used to the idea of reading, and it’s only a matter of time before you begin to read for longer hours.

I hope this has brought enlightenment to someone.

Remain ever blessed, in Jesus precious name!

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