What Is Keeping You From The Bible?

By: Jenifer Metzger

We know that the Bible is our daily bread. We know it is meant to be a book that we read and study each day. Our head knows this. Yet, often we just don't do it. What is keeping you from your Bible?

Your Phone. I have a love hate relationship with smart phones. I love how they keep us so connected with our loved ones. I love how they provide a large array of information at any moment in time. And I love the entertainment they provide. However, phones are also a huge distraction. Every ping draws our attention. Every time the screen lights up we lose focus on what we were previously doing. Phones are so distracting, in fact, that they pull us away from the Bible.

1. Use a physical Bible. While the Bible app is great, those distractions on the phone can have a strong pull.
2. When you read your Bible, put your phone in another room. Out of sight, out of mind!
3. Consider turning off notifications for social media, this will limit the pings and dings!
4. First thing in the morning, reach for your Bible, not your phone.

This Book of the law shall not depart out of your mouth; but you shall mediate therein day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written therein; for then you shall make your way prosperous, and then you shall have good success.

Joshua 1:8

Your busy schedule. We are all busy women. We could sit here and compare schedules until the cows come home but all that would prove is that we are insanely busy. When our schedules are full, sadly one of the first things to go is our time with God. Martin Luther once said, "I have so much to do that I shall spend the first three hours in prayer." Oh that we would have that mindset! Our time with God should be the last thing to go, not the first.

1. Don't be afraid to say no to more busyness.
2. Use a good planner and write everything down. If need be, block out time on your planner each day for God.
3. Re-evaluate what you have going on. Is there something that can go? Leave time for margin.
4. We say we are busy, but often we are playing games on the iPad or binging on Netflix. Those are things that we need to limit.

Your sin. When we are dealing with sin in our lives, we often have guilt which will pull us away from God. We feel like we can't possibly read the Bible or pray because we are unworthy. We think that if we could just get that sin under control, then we could get back to God.

1. God wants you just as you are. Don't wait until your life is together.
2. While God wants you just as you are, He loves you too much to leave you that way. Let Him work in you.
3. Repent of your sin.
4. Ask God to help you.

I have stored up Your Word in my heart, that I might not sin against You.

Psalm 119:11

Your lack of understanding. Let's face it, sometimes God's Word is hard to understand. Then, when we struggle to understand, we get discouraged and give up.

1. Pray before you read.
2. Pray after you read.
3. Don't just read, study.
4. Talk to a pastor or mentor and ask questions.

So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the Word of Christ.

Romans 10:17

Is there something else keeping you from the Bible? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments. Let's be women who are truly in God's Word daily.

It's time for Share A Link Wednesday! Each Wednesday we invite you to leave a link to your latest blog post in the comments. We still desire to connect women of God with one another and encourage each other in Christ. So grab a cup of coffee or glass of sweet tea, sit back and visit a few blogs. Be encouraged and share your own stories.