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Why Do I Feel Bored Reading the Bible, and How Can I Fix It?

Have you ever opened your Bible to read, only to find yourself zoning out a few verses in?

Many sincere believers feel ashamed or confused when they lose interest while reading Scripture, especially when everyone around them seems deeply moved by the holy words. But the truth is that boredom doesn’t mean you’re spiritually lazy. It could simply be a sign that you need a fresh, more meaningful way to connect with God’s Word.

If you’re tired of forcing yourself to read the Bible and want to rediscover joy, clarity, and connection in your spiritual walk, keep reading. Because in this article, we’ll explore why you might feel bored or disconnected when reading the Bible—and how to address this issue in a way that suits your personality, schedule, and spiritual needs.

You’ll learn:

Let’s start with some reasons people get bored with scripture reading.

5 common reasons people feel bored with Bible reading

You sit down, open the Bible, and within minutes… your mind drifts. Why does this happen, even to people who love God?

Here are five reasons that could be holding you back from truly engaging with the Bible:

  • Mismatch in reading style: You might be trying to read the Bible like a textbook, when it’s really a library of gripping stories, poetry, prophecy, and divine promises. A slow, linear approach may not be suitable for everyone.
  • Lack of context: Without understanding the historical or cultural background, parts of the Old Testament or so-called “boring books” like Leviticus or Numbers can feel dry. But these books are rich in meaning once context is added.
  • Mental overload: In our digital age, attention spans are shorter. Trying to read the entire Bible in one go, without breaks or focus, may leave you feeling mentally exhausted.
  • Spiritual dryness: Sometimes, our hearts need more than information; they need God’s presence. Bible reading without prayer or expectation can feel lifeless.
  • Unrealistic expectations: Many young people and professionals think they need to “feel something” every time they read. But just like healthy eating, sometimes it’s about consistency more than instant gratification.

So if it’s not about fault, what’s the fix? It starts with a mindset shift.

How to reframe your mindset from duty to delight

If you approach Scripture as a task on your to-do list, you’ll likely never partake in the joy it offers. But when you see it as a living conversation between you and the God who created you, it changes everything.

Here’s how to make that shift:

  • Remember who wrote it: The Bible is not just an old book. It’s how God reveals His unmatched character and overwhelming glory to us. The Holy Spirit speaks through the pages to your heart, even today.
  • Don’t aim for perfection: It’s okay if you didn’t finish that reading plan last year. What matters is the desire to know and love God’s Word, not checking off every box.
  • Move from “should” to “want”: Ask yourself, “What do I want to learn about God today?” When you read the Bible looking to find Jesus, you’ll discover wisdom, love, and truth in every story.
  • Pray before you read: A simple prayer like “Holy Spirit, help me love God’s Word today” can realign your heart.

Now that your mindset is renewed, let’s explore ways to re-engage with the Bible in a more practical and personal way.

Practical ways to re-engage with the Bible

We’re all wired differently. Some people are more of thinkers, meaning they love reading material that engage their intellect. Others are feelers, where they engage with what makes them feel a certain way. And others are more of doers, meaning they prefer to practice or physically handle what they learn.

What helps you connect with Scripture might be different from someone else. Here’s how to find your way back to enjoying Bible reading:

If you’re a thinker:

  • Use a Study Bible or reliable commentaries to explore deeper meanings.
  • Try themed studies like leadership, ethics, or philosophy in Scripture.
  • Focus on books like Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, or Romans, where logic and structure are particularly evident.

If you’re a feeler:

  • Reflect on Psalms, the Gospels, or personal stories in the Old Testament.
  • Journal your thoughts or write prayers as you read.
  • Use an audio Bible to hear the emotion and rhythm of God’s Word.

If you’re a doer:

  • Apply what you read immediately. For example, after reading James, look for ways to serve that day.
  • Start with shorter books like James, Titus, or 1 John; read them in one sitting.
  • Pair your reading with real-world action: fasting, encouraging others, or donating to someone in need.

Even with the best mindset and approach, habits matter. Let’s look at tools that make consistency possible, even for busy lives like yours.

Tools and techniques to help you develop a consistent and joyful Bible-reading habit

If you want to fall in love with Scripture again, consistency is key, but that doesn’t mean it has to be rigid or boring.

Here are tools to make reading enjoyable and sustainable:

  • Reading Plans: Use flexible, topical reading plans (like “30 Days with Jesus” or “The Whole Bible in One Year”) to structure your time without pressure.
  • Audio Bibles: Perfect for commutes, walks, or gym time. Listening helps you experience the Word in a fresh, engaging way.
  • Apps: Try platforms with built-in devotionals, commentaries, and reminders to read each day.
  • Group Study: Join a Bible study group—online or in person. Discussing with others often brings clarity and accountability.
  • Visual Resources: Infographics or illustrated Bibles can help you understand flow, context, and big-picture themes.

Quick Tip: Set a time and place. Even 10 minutes a day with the Bible, when done regularly, helps build the desire to go deeper.

So, what happens when you’re doing your part, but still feel spiritually dry? Don’t give up. Here’s some biblical encouragement just for you.

Biblical encouragement for when spiritual motivation runs low

There will be days when you don’t feel anything. That’s normal. Even spiritual giants like David cried out, “Why, Lord, do you stand far off? Why do you hide yourself in times of trouble?” (Psalm 10:1, NKJV).

But here’s what we know:

  • The Word is alive (Hebrews 4:12). Even when your heart feels dull, God’s Word is still working in you.
  • Jesus is the center: The entire Bible—from the Old Testament to the New—is a love story pointing to Jesus. If you’re ever bored, come back to the Gospels. His life, His love, and His sacrifice are never boring.
  • God rewards those who seek Him (Hebrews 11:6). Each day you show up, you’re shaping your soul, whether you realise it or not.
  • Seasons of dryness don’t last forever. What feels like silence may be preparation. Keep going. God sees you.

Let this sink in: You don’t need to read the Bible perfectly. You need to keep showing up because you want to know God better. That’s enough.

You can learn to love god’s word again

Reading the Bible doesn’t have to be a burden.

With the right mindset, method, and heart posture, you can transition from boredom to blessing, from merely checking a box to hearing God’s voice. The journey to fall in love with Scripture again may not happen in a day, but each day brings you closer.

Don’t stop here. The journey into God’s Word is just beginning, and there’s a whole world of faith-filled content waiting to nourish your mind and heart.

Head over to the Faith section of Hope for Africa to explore Bible-based answers to your biggest spiritual questions, written for real people facing real struggles, just like you.

Not sure where to start? Begin with these handpicked reads:

  • How Can I Read My Bible More? – Break the guilt cycle and establish a Bible-reading rhythm that suits your schedule.
  • How Do I Know If God Is Speaking to Me? – If you’ve ever wondered whether a thought, feeling, or event was from God, this article will guide you.
  • How to Be a Godly Youth – Whether you’re a young person or guiding one, this is a powerful resource on standing firm in today’s world.

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