Let’s be honest—there are times when opening your Bible feels more like a chore than a joy. You want to connect with God. You know the Bible holds truth, comfort, and wisdom. But still, the words seem dry, distant, or even confusing.
If you’ve ever felt this way, you’re not alone.
The Bible is not a collection of fables meant to excite our senses or feed our intermittent pursuit for entertainment. It is the word of God, “valuable for teaching the truth, convicting of sin, correcting faults and training in right living; thus, anyone who belongs to God may be fully equipped for every good work” (2 Timothy 3:16-17, CJB).
Unlike any other book, the Bible is a book we can only enjoy when we align with its call to action. If our heart and lifestyle stand in discord with Scripture, the struggle must continue, and this proves the Bible as a book with divine origin.
If you’ve been silently struggling with guilt or confusion over your lack of enthusiasm for the Bible, take heart. Let’s walk through this topic together and rediscover the joy of hearing from God—even in the quiet seasons.
In this article, we’ll explore:
- Why the Bible Might Feel Unenjoyable Sometimes
- What the Bible Says About Dry Seasons in Our Faith
- Steps to Rekindle Your Desire for Scripture
- How to Build a Meaningful, Lasting Bible Reading Habit
- You’re Not Failing, You’re Human
Let’s begin by confronting the heart of the matter: why you might not enjoy scripture at times.
Why the Bible Might Feel Unenjoyable Sometimes
There are many reasons the Bible can feel unenjoyable. And none of them make you a bad Christian, fundamentally. In fact, recognising this struggle is often the first step toward renewal.
Sometimes, the challenge comes from reading the entire Bible with no structure. Trying to digest the Old Testament without context or starting your reading plan in “boring” books can feel overwhelming—especially when you’re just trying to stay awake between work meetings and bedtime stories.
Other times, the barrier is emotional or spiritual. Fatigue, stress, and spiritual dryness can leave your heart feeling closed, even when you want to connect.
You may wonder, Why can’t I just love God’s word like I used to?
Here’s the truth: enjoying the Bible isn’t always automatic. It takes intention, honesty, and a willingness to wrestle. Even King David—“a man after God’s own heart”—cried out, “My soul clings to the dust; revive me according to Your word” (Psalm 119:25, NKJV).
Consider whether your approach to Bible reading is sustainable. If you’re forcing yourself to read the whole Bible straight through with no context, you may benefit from using study Bibles, commentaries, or an audio Bible that brings the text to life in a new way.
So, what does Scripture say about feeling distant from God’s word? Quite a bit, actually.
What the Bible Says About Dry Seasons in Our Faith
The Bible is filled with examples of faithful people who went through spiritual droughts. Job, Elijah, David, and even Jesus Himself faced seasons of sorrow, silence, and spiritual fatigue. These moments weren’t signs of failure; they were part of the journey.
Hebrews 4:12 reminds us that the word of God is living and active:
“For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart” (Hebrews 4:12, NKJV).
This means it speaks even when we feel numb. But sometimes, like soil in need of rain, our hearts need softening before we can receive it again.
In those moments, the Holy Spirit becomes our guide and teacher. Jesus promised in John 14:26 that the Spirit would “teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I said to you”(NKJV).
Dry seasons invite us to rely less on emotion and more on personal responsibility—choosing to show up and read, even when it’s hard.
You’re not alone if your Bible study doesn’t always feel inspiring. Even if you feel bored, God is still at work in your heart. Let the dry season stir up a deeper longing for Scripture.
Let’s now see how to start the fire again and keep it burning.
Steps to Rekindle Your Desire for Scripture
Moving from boredom to joy starts with small, intentional shifts. Here’s how to rediscover the beauty of Bible reading, even when it feels dry:
- Start with what speaks to your season: If the Old Testament feels dense, try the New Testament, especially the Gospels. Jesus’ life offers not only truth but an unmatched character that captivates hearts across generations.
- Use a variety of formats: Switch between a study Bible, a reading plan, or even an audio Bible during your commute. Sometimes, a different way to engage can reignite your interest.
- Ask questions as you read: What does this passage reveal about God? How does it apply to my life today? What do I need to learn or unlearn?
- Join a community or study group: Sharing the experience with others helps you stay accountable and gain fresh perspectives. Faith wasn’t meant to be lived alone.
- Pray before you read: Ask the Holy Spirit to open your heart and mind. A quick, heartfelt prayer, such as “Lord, help me see what You want me to see today,” can make a world of difference.
And remember it’s okay if your reading doesn’t feel “powerful” every day. Not every day will leave you in awe, but every day spent in the Word plants seeds that will grow in God’s time.
But how do you build a sustainable bible reading habit?
How to Build a Meaningful, Lasting Bible Reading Habit
Reigniting your desire is one thing; making it last is another. So how do you move from occasional sparks to a fire that sustains?
Here’s what helps:
- Keep it small but steady: Start with just 5–10 minutes a day. It’s better to read a small portion with intention than to rush through several chapters without understanding.
- Mix genres: The Bible includes poetry, narrative, law, prophecy, and letters. Explore the gripping stories in Genesis, the wisdom of Proverbs, and the emotional depth of the Psalms to keep things fresh and engaging.
- Track your progress: Use a journal, an app, or a checklist. Visual cues can boost your motivation and help you reflect on what you’ve learned.
- Be honest with God: If something feels “boring,” say so. God isn’t offended by your honesty. He invites you to wrestle, reflect, and return again. He, “…knows our frame; He remembers that we are dust” (Psalm 103:14, NKJV).
- Celebrate spiritual milestones: Whether you’ve completed your first reading plan or had your first “aha” moment in weeks, pause and thank God for it.
The goal isn’t to become a “better version” of yourself by checking off chapters. It’s to love God’s word, learn His voice, and let His truth shape you, from the inside out. And this is what will reshape your story and reshape you.
You’re Not Failing, You’re Human
If you’ve ever feared that a lack of excitement in Bible reading meant you were drifting from God, let this truth settle in: Feeling bored does not mean you’ve failed. Instead, it means you’re human. In our natural skin, we pursue everything except God.
Dry seasons are invitations, not indictments. They are sacred spaces where God stretches your faith, deepens your roots, and reminds you that His love is not based on your feelings, but on His faithfulness.
So, should you be concerned when the Bible feels unenjoyable?
Oh yes. But this should not lead to self-condemnation. Find out exactly why you have a disconnect with the word of God.
It could be a sign that you should stay curious, stay committed, and remain in conversation with the Holy Spirit.
Because in time, as you continue to show up, the overwhelming glory of God’s word will break through again. And when it does, it won’t just be another book; it will be your daily bread.
Want to rediscover the joy of Bible study? Explore our Question God Asks Series and Faith and Spirituality Section in The Cleaver, featuring rich content for seekers just like you, for a closer walk with God, and expert guides designed to help you rediscover the joy of God’s word.
Get back to your old Bible and find it true.
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