“The Bible is too hard to understand.”
It’s probably one of the most common reasons why Christians don’t study the Scriptures on a regular basis.
The Bible says every believer can understand biblical concepts because the Holy Spirit is our teacher.
1 John 2:27 (NKJV)
But the anointing which you have received from Him abides in you, and you do not need that anyone teach you; but as the same anointing teaches you concerning all things, and is true, and is not a lie, and just as it has taught you, you will abide in Him.
Three things you can do when studying the Bible:
#1 - Pray for God to help you understand what you are reading.
The key that opens the treasure box of the Bible is prayer.
Psalm 119:18 (NKJV)
Open my eyes, that I may see Wondrous things from Your law.
God wants us to understand the Bible, why would He not answer your prayer?
# - 2 Think about the passage for more than 10 seconds.
We need to take our time and make an effort not only to read but study the passage.
We need to actively search for the treasures of truth God has for us. The wisdom gained is worth more than gold. (see Proverbs 16:16)
It can be helpful to use a commentary or online Bible study tool. Ask your pastor for suggestions. (An example of a free resource is E-SWORD).
# - 3 Decide how to apply what you’ve read to your life.
The passage in Luke 6:46-49 says the man who hears the words of the Bible and puts them into practice is like the wise man who built his house on the rock. When the floods came, the house stood because it had a firm foundation.
Unlike the man who hears the words but doesn’t put them into practice. He is like the man who built his house on sand. When the rains came, his house collapsed.
We need to apply God’s words to our lives.
The Bible is our instruction manual for life.
If you are struggling to get into the Scriptures, pray for Him to ignite your desire.
I have no doubt He will answer your prayer. He’s done it for me.
I’m not sure why I’m relating this piece of my life here, but I’m pretty sure God will use it anyway. I found a memory today on Facebook, which I don’t frequent very often now, that pointed out to me that God is still there, still listening and still working in my life despite the fact that I let “life” move me away from True Life in Christ. I could hardly believe that the words I read today were my words, that I had so much of God In Me at that time in my life that it just spilled out of me. I want that again. It’s no wonder I’m feeling so sick and empty. I am not feasting on His word like I did then. I want to feast again. I want to be used for His Kingdom again. So I will read again. And God will give me all understanding I need.
I Know so many BrotHERs and Sisters IN Faith who are deterred from Devotionally DWELLINg IN The Word BEcause as you stated Here: "The Bible is too hard to understand".
The Bible, at its core, IS a Spiritual text, meant to speak to and resonate with our Spirits, rather than appealINg to our INtellect. ThIS IS by design and with good reason — All glory to God!
Our focus shouldn't BE on decipherINg and decodINg every sINgle Word of Scripture but on lettINg its Truths imprINt themSelves upon our HeARTs through the act of readINg. It’s IN this Spiritual commUNION with the text that WE fINd the Word of God BEcomes a LivINg part of us, guidINg us INtuitively and moldINg our character IN alignment and accordance with His Will.
The reluctance and resistance to engage daily and deeply with Scripture due to its perceived complexity actually reveals a lukewarm and half-HeARTed Faith. If God approached us with the same conditional effort based on His understanding of our actions and Choices, our Spirit would BE significantly malnourished and impoverished. God's example encourages us to persist IN our engagement with The Bible, IN good Faith that it Will Plant good Roots IN us and tHerefore allow us to BEar good Fruits IN His Name.
WE are called to approach The Word with our HeART's postured towards Him and His understandINg, KnowINg that it Will enrich our Faith and draw us closer to Him and His Law, even when full comprehension eludes us. Ultimately, our comprehension IS not a prerequisite for His guidance and Grace. WE WEre never meant to lean on our understandINg anyWays.
Trust the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗿𝗯𝘀 𝟯:𝟱
NavigatINg the complexities of Scripture IS ultimately a Spiritual Devotion and disciplINe that primes, prepares, and positions us to discern God's Will IN our own Lives. ThIS process of wrestlINg with and ultimately embracINg the enigmas of Scripture IS reflective of our broader Spiritual walk. It teaches us to lean not on our own understandINg but to Trust IN God's Plan. The very act of seekINg clarity IN The Bible, with patience and perseverance, cultivates a Spiritual resilience and a readiness to accept God's Will with Humility and Trust, even when it's veiled IN mystery.
AMEN.