Why is finding time to read the Bible so hard?

Research from State of the Bible 2021 shows that one in six Americans read the Bible most weekdays. But behind that number is the reality that, for most people, making time for God’s Word is an uphill battle.

If you start your day with God’s Word, you might face several obstacles. Some mornings, you can barely keep your eyes open as you trudge through your daily Bible reading. You sleep through your alarm and race out the door instead of spending meaningful time with your Heavenly Father. If you have children, you might struggle to find a peaceful moment to yourself for Bible reading before your busy day begins.

Later in the day, it’s challenging to push “pause” on life and make time for God’s Word. The stresses of each day weigh on your shoulders, distracting you from the words you’re reading. Even when you do find a few spare minutes to read the Bible, your time feels overshadowed by the next day’s worries. You might even catch yourself wondering, Is this even worth the trouble?

MAKE THE BIBLE PART OF YOUR DAILY ROUTINE

If you feel like your devotional life is the biggest struggle of your day, you aren’t alone. God’s Word warns us about the spiritual adversaries who want to keep us from the Bible: “For we are not fighting against human beings but against the wicked spiritual forces in the heavenly world, the rulers, authorities, and cosmic powers of this dark age” (Ephesians 6:12 GNT). When Jesus faced temptation from the Devil to turn stones into bread after a 40-day fast, Jesus responded, “Human beings cannot live on bread alone, but need every word that God speaks” (Matthew 4:4 GNT).

Jesus’s example shows us that finding our daily strength in God’s Word is one of the most important parts of our walk with God. Through the Scriptures, we grow in faith, find encouragement to fight against sin, and receive assurance that our Heavenly Father loves us deeply.

If you need a resource to help you spend intentional time in the Bible each day, you can download this free 2021 daily Bible reading guide. And if you’re still undecided about the importance of making time for God’s Word, here are three reasons to take a closer look at your devotional life.

God’s Word is alive and active. Each day, it helps you discern your heart’s desires and guide you in your faith.

The word of God is alive and active, sharper than any double-edged sword. It cuts all the way through, to where soul and spirit meet, to where joints and marrow come together. It judges the desires and thoughts of the heart. Hebrews 4:12 GNT

Being rooted and grounded in the Scriptures helps you honor God by avoiding sin.

With all my heart I try to serve you; keep me from disobeying your commandments.

I keep your law in my heart,

so that I will not sin against you.

Psalm 119:10-11 GNT

Studying God’s Word and obeying his commandments each day helps you live a better, fuller life.

Be sure that the book of the Law is always read in your worship. Study it day and night, and make sure that you obey everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful.

Joshua 1:8 GNT