How do you approach Bible reading? Your attitude and the way you approach it are very important. If we want to get the most out of God’s Word, there are two things we must do each time we read the Bible: 1) Approach it with integrity. When there are parts of the Bible we don’t understand or struggle to believe, we should be honest about our doubts and uncertainty. God isn’t upset or angry with us when we tell Him what we’re finding difficult, because we can’t begin to resolve our doubts until we’re willing to bring them into the open and talk about them. When Thomas questioned the resurrection, Jesus helped him come to a place of belief. And He’ll do the same for us. It’s a mistake to try to force ourselves to believe something or to avoid reading part of the Bible so our faith isn’t challenged. Jesus said, ‘When he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all the truth…He will glorify me because it is from me that he will receive what he will make known to you’ (John 16:13-14 NIV). 2) Read it with expectancy. When we read the Bible with expectant hearts, the Author shows up. As we read His words, we’ll begin to sense His presence and realise He is speaking to each of us personally. Jesus said, ‘The Spirit gives life; the flesh counts for nothing. The words I have spoken to you – they are full of the Spirit and life’ (John 6:63 NIV). When we come to the Scriptures with a hunger and an expectancy, we never go away disappointed.

What Now?

Is there a part of the Bible that you really don’t understand or that you don’t believe? Talk to God about your struggles, and ask Him to help you learn the truth contained in His Word.