I sat on my bed with a Bible in my lap, attempting to study the book of Hebrews.

“This is hard. I don’t understand this.” I thought.

My thoughts began to drift to a myriad of other activities I could be doing at that moment—some I needed to do (prepare dinner and clean the kitchen), while others (take a nap or check social media) just sounded pleasant and, well, easy.

Have you ever been there?

Has the idea of reading your Bible ever seemed like too much work?
Like you’re investing in something that doesn’t have a very good return?

Before I continue, let me assure you that the opening example was not created from my imagination, but occurred last week. As much as I would like to pretend these sort of thoughts never come to mind, I have to be totally honest and admit they do—sometimes more frequently than others.

If you’re honest with yourself, you’ll admit the same. Every Christian has times when they don’t want to read the Bible, their mind wanders during prayer, and they don’t see the need for regular spiritual disciplines. None of us are immune from this thinking because we’re all sinners.

So what do you do?

Last week, when my thoughts began to drift away from the Word and towards an easier task, I asked myself that question. Is it okay to take a break when I’m not interested? Maybe try again in a few days?

My dear friend and fellow struggler, I strongly encourage you with this:

When you find yourself pulling away from the Lord, reading His Word, and speaking with Him in prayer, that is the precise time you absolutely must be with Him.

When I’m bored by the Bible and don’t want to read it, that is a warning sign—like a flashing red siren blaring out my desperate need to fall on my face before Jesus in repentance, asking Him to give me the desires I don’t possess.

When I find myself wondering what the use is in regular prayer times, that is exactly when I need to run to God all the more quickly, fervently asking Him to give me a heart that longs for Him above anyone and anything.

I want a heart like the Psalmist’s when he expresses such strong desire for God, His commandments, and His presence:

As a deer pants for flowing streams, so pants my soul for you, O God.
(Psalm 42:1)

My soul is crushed with longing after your ordinances at all times.
(Psalm 119:20)

I open my mouth and pant because I long for your commandments.
(Psalm 119:131)

And this promise from Jesus is such a comfort, isn’t it?

Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,
for they will be filled.
(Matthew 5:6)

When I desire the things of God, He will not leave me empty! He will fill me with the only thing that truly satisfies: His presence.

How about you?

I’m not sure where you’re at today in your relationship with God and His Word:
Maybe you can’t get enough.
Maybe you haven’t studied His Word for months.

Wherever you find yourself, can I encourage you to pray this verse back to the Lord? Pray it with me:

O God, You are my God;
I shall seek You earnestly;
My soul thirsts for You, my flesh yearns for You,
In a dry and weary land where there is no water.
(Psalm 63:1)

When we find ourselves in a state where we don’t want to read God’s Word or talk with Him in prayer, let’s not allow that wrong desire to push us away. Instead, let’s ask God to replace those wrong desires with a hunger and thirst that can only be quenched by His presence.

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