When You Don’t Feel Like Reading Your Bible
ASHERITAH CIUCIU
Lee en español
“Direct me in the path of your commands, for there I find delight.” Psalm 119:35 (NIV)
“But why do we have to read the Bible every day, Mom?” My daughter whined, pressing her cheek against the floral cover of her Bible.
Taking a deep breath and stroking her cheek, I pushed a strand of hair behind her ear. “We get to read it, my dear.” I leaned in close. “Because the Bible is God’s Word for us.”
Gesturing toward the sticky maple syrup and waffle crumbs scattered on our plates, I continued, “You wouldn’t ever skip breakfast, would you?” She shook her head in shock, and I held back a smile. “God’s Word feeds our souls, even as we feed our bodies. Jesus called it our daily bread.”
I leaned back in my chair, my words boomeranging back toward my own heart. There had been many months — years, even — when I hadn’t wanted to read the Bible. Though I'd grown up as a missionary kid, the Bible sometimes felt — dare I say it? — boring.
Have you ever felt that way? Not that we’d say it out loud, not quite like that. We believe that the Bible is important, yes. That it’s inspired, absolutely. That it’s profitable, of course. But do we get excited about reading the Bible?
Do we hunger for a fresh word from God as we hunger for food?
Do we believe God longs to reveal Himself to us in the pages of Scripture?
Nah … not always.
If your heart sinks at that realization, I have good news for you and me: God alone can transform our mental conviction into our hearts’ affection, and He wants to help.
During a particularly dry season in my spiritual journey, I cried out to God, Stir up a holy hunger in me for more of You! I’d open my Bible out of duty, but my heart would cry out, I want to delight in You! Turn my affections to desire You above all else.
I learned such prayers from David, the psalmist who wrote the longest chapter in the Bible — Psalm 119 — about his love for God’s Word. Surprisingly, he confessed that he needed God to stir up his affection for Him:
“Direct me in the path of your commands, for there I find delight … Turn my eyes away from worthless things …” (Psalm 119:35-37, NIV).
How encouraging! Like David, if we don’t desire God, we can simply ask Him to give us that desire. And God will always answer that prayer. He did in David’s life. He has in my life. He's doing it in my children’s lives. And He will certainly do so in your life too.
For it is God’s good pleasure to give us as much of Himself as we long to receive.
Pray with me?
Precious Lord, stir up in me a holy hunger for You, and grant me thirst so I may drink from Your river of delights. Turn my heart to desire You above all else, and satisfy my soul with Your presence. I want to want You more. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
OUR FAVORITE THINGS
Stuck in the cycle of trying harder, doing more, and still feeling like it’s not enough? You’re not imagining it — the pressure is real. But God never asked us to live like that. Our new Titus study, Is This As Good as It Gets? Experience the Lasting Change You Long For, flips the script. This five-week study will show you what real change looks like — the kind that doesn’t drain you but frees you. Ready to stop striving and start living? Order your study guide and join us.
Experience God’s renewal and transformation through Asheritah’s new book, Delighting in Jesus: Rhythms to Restore Joy When You Feel Burdened, Broken, or Burned-Out. You’ll discover five joyful practices in Jesus’ life that will awaken your awareness of God’s delight in you and help you turn back to Him even when life gets hard.
ENGAGE
Need a gentle reminder of God’s joy in your everyday life? Asheritah’s “12 Verses for Joy” is a beautiful collection of soul-soothing scriptures — perfect to tape to your mirror, tuck in your Bible, or share with a friend. It’s her free gift to you when you join her Substack, a monthly letter of hope, joy, and gentle rhythms to help you slow down and savor Jesus. Subscribe here.
FOR DEEPER STUDY
Psalm 36:7-9, “How priceless is your unfailing love, O God! People take refuge in the shadow of your wings. They feast on the abundance of your house; you give them drink from your river of delights. For with you is the fountain of life; in your light we see light” (NIV).
What does this passage reveal about God’s desire for His people? Consider writing a short prayer asking God to increase your desire for Him and delight in Him this week.
We’d love to hear from you! Share your thoughts in the comments.
© 2025 by Asheritah Ciuciu. All rights reserved.
Proverbs 31 Ministries
P.O. Box 3189
Matthews, NC 28106
www.Proverbs31.org
Originally published Friday, 27 June 2025.
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