Here are seven tips on reading the Bible when you are in those situations. 

1. Start slow. 

Read for only 10-15 minutes a day. Read a small chapter or a passage from a chapter. Read a few verses. Give yourself grace; no one is asking you to read an entire book of the Bible in a day. 

2. Find an easy-to-read translation. 

When you start with KJV and are met with words like “thee” and “thou” and “hath,” you may want to immediately give up and shut the book. Easier digestible translations are the ESV, NIV and NLT. Consider a study Bible that offers commentaries from different Bible scholars. 

3. Start with the Gospels or psalms. 

You can start wherever you want in the Bible, but if you’re new or reading again after a while, then the Gospels or the Psalms may be easier books to start with. 

4. Pair it with something good. 

Anchor your Bible reading time with something you enjoy. Do you love drinking coffee in the morning? In the morning, open your Bible while you sip on coffee. Do you love being outside? Go outside with a picnic blanket and read your Bible. 

5. Write questions in the margins.  

If you can, write any questions that arise in the margins or a journal next to you. Then you can take those questions to a pastor or mentor. 

6. Highlight or underline key verses. 

I’m a huge fan of annotating when reading. When you annotate while reading, it can help you identify key concepts and  themes. Underline verses that stick out to you. 

7. Pray about it. 

Before you begin reading the Bible, ask the Holy Spirit to open your heart to understand God’s Word.