Bible Study Tips: for the bored

What is keeping you bored with the Bible? Perhaps you need a change of scenery or some spark in the situation. Use the helpful tips to get you out of a “Bible-study boredom” rut and on the path to “finally interested.”

1. Asses your atmosphere: Where do you typically end up reading your Bible? Could it be that your physical location is adding to the boredom? Meander down to a cozy coffee shop. View your Bible as a “good book for a rainy day.” You don’t have to sit at your desk to study; curl up in front of the fire.

Or maybe you tend to fall asleep the second you break open God’s Word. Change your scenery by sitting at a desk, a library, or a study room. Posture yourself to be attentive.

Got cabin fever? Go outside. Take a break from your routine, grab your Bible, head to a park, or go on a hike. Spend time in God’s great creation, soaking in the sun and the Word of God.

2. Explore new pages: It is so easy to hover around the pages we are familiar with in our Bibles. For instance, if you find encouragement in the book of Philippians, you may find yourself gravitating toward it repeatedly. I believe this can be incredibly helpful, and a constant companion you can trust.

But if you sense a gap between seeing words on a page and comprehending their meaning, it might be time to go on an adventure. Get outside of your comfort zone and read something new. Try reading Genesis, 1 & 2 Samuel, or the Gospels of the New Testament. These books tell stories that might keep your mind engaged.

Or study the words of the Prophets: Isaiah, Jeremiah, and Ezekiel through Malachi. These books are (generally) the words of God to His people. They can be very insightful for people today; if you feel overwhelmed, grab some resources and keep going.

3. Add some Spark: Still having a hard time feeling engaged in scripture? Get creative. Find maps or pictures from the location you are reading about (e.g. Jesus’ travels in Galilee or Samaria). Put on a movie soundtrack to give life to what you are reading about. Listen to “Gladiator” or battle scene music from “Lord of the Rings” while reading 1 & 2 Kings. Just don’t get so caught up in the “spark” that you forget to engage in the Word of God.

4. Get active: Perhaps the reason you feel bored is because you have taken in so much reading without putting the words into practice. Do not turn your “devotional time” into an idol or excuse for laziness. Take the advice from James:

“But don’t just listen to God’s word. You must do what it says. Otherwise, you are only fooling yourselves. For if you listen to the word and don’t obey, it is like glancing at your face in a mirror. You see yourself, walk away, and forget what you look like. But if you look carefully into the perfect law that sets you free, and if you do what it says and don’t forget what you heard, then God will bless you for doing it.” James 1:22-25

5. Still not “getting there?” If you are still feeling bored, perhaps you are struggling with something else. Press the “Follow” button to get updates on more topics for the Bible Study Struggle.