How to Make Reading the Bible More Enjoyable

The number one best-selling book in the world is The Bible, with an estimated 6 billion copies sold worldwide. Yet, many find it to be one of the hardest books to read. Some find it confusing. Others find it boring. Whether you are reading the Bible for spiritual reasons or for educational purposes, there are ways to make it easier and more interesting.

Focus - The human brain is easily distracted and your concentration will falter if you have other things going on around you. It is easier to become engrossed in what you are reading if it is the only thing attracting your attention. Choose quiet surroundings when reading the Bible and give yourself time to relax with it.

Subject and order - The Bible covers many subjects and events in history, as well as prophecy. Writing styles between the 66 books that make up the Bible vary, from historical accounts to personal letters and poetry. You do not have to read it in order to gain spiritual benefit or educational understanding. Choose a subject that appeals to you and start there.

Some examples:
If you are interested in the Bible's account on the origin of man and his early history, start with Genesis.
If you are interested in the teachings of Jesus, read the Gospel accounts of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John.
If you are interested in the activities of the early Christians, start with the book of Acts.
If you are a woman who is interested in stories of strong women in history, start with the books of Ruth and Esther.
Do you enjoy poetry? Start with the books of Job, Psalms, and The Song of Solomon.
Do you enjoy proverbs and words of wisdom? There is an entire book devoted to them with Proverbs.
Does information on ancient Egypt intrigue you? Start with Genesis chapter 37 and read through into the book of Exodus.

When and where - The Bible is filled with references to historical places and events. Look up information on these locations, use maps to see where they were in reference to other Biblical cities and modern day locations. Create a timeline to see how events progressed through history or to see whose story is being told in one location while someone else's was being told in another. If your copy of the Bible provides them, read the footnotes and consult the cross references to make connections between events and people.

Sights and sounds - The Bible uses very rich language and detail when describing events and prophecies. Try to put yourself into the action. For example, when reading in Joshua about the fall of Jericho in the book of Joshua, try to imagine what it must have been like to be the spies hidden by Rahab or what it must have sounded like to those inside and outside the city when the Israelites blew their horns and shouted just before the walls fell.

Archaeologists and historians offer a great deal of proof that the people and events of the Bible were real. Put yourself in their places as you read, imagine what you would have done in their situation. Try to understand what they were thinking, how they must have felt, why they made certain decisions or took certain actions.

Understanding - The Bible holds valuable information for all readers. Even if you do not personally believe the spiritual aspect of its teachings, it still offers information on improving the quality of life and handling the problems all humans experience. It is one of the greatest self-help books of all time. Thinking about what the words are saying, how it can help you or others you know, can give you a new outlook that makes it, and life in general, much more interesting.