I’m just now figuring out how to absorb what I read in the Bible

I asked Jesus “into my heart” when I was 5 years old. I have been in church and private school from k to graduation and onto Christian college. And no matter how many times I would sit down to soak up the Bible, it felt like a text book. I would have anxiety - like there was a perfect way to read it and I was missing it. Or my mind would be busy with lists and schedules, to dos and worries.

It wasn’t until I entered a season I was absolutely desperate for Jesus and utilizing this list of practical tips that I started to absorb His Word like I never had before.

For the first time in my life I have read my Bible every day for a couple of months. That is a huge deal - not because I am great, because that's not it at all! I found what works for me and how to fit the habit in my day consistently. 

I now view the Bible as a library. Some days I read where I left off, and some days I feel like I need encouragement or guidance for a specific emotion or topic so I will use my Daily Grace Co. Daily Truths book to read through verses about a specific topic. 

Some days I crave the Bible but want to read a story so I will go to a book with a story about Ruth, Esther, etc. 

Some days I crave to sit in Proverbs. 

I have tried studies with designated parts of the Bible for each day and it just felt robotic or like homework. Because of the season I am in, my goal is to read, and soak it in, during the part of my day that I have alone time and have the most energy mentally - afternoon naptime. I will read for whatever amount of time I can fit, but I start that pocket of time with reading my Bible to make sure it happens - even if it's 5 minutes. It makes an impact on my heart, my mind, my spirit. 

Find a space in my time that allows me to be consistent. For me, my kids are in quiet time or nap time at the same time every day. I have never been successful at reading early in the morning or before bed at night.  

Read for however long you can. I used to try to follow a plan and try to squish as much in my time as possible. This just caused me anxiety and made me feel rushed. I have gotten so much more out of my time if I read without a plan - whether that's 10 minutes or 30 minutes. It breathes life! 

Keep a notebook, pad of paper, or sticky note and pen with you while you read. If an interrupting thought pops in your head - something you need to do, something you need to tell someone, etc. write it down and get back to your reading. That way you won't forget anything but you can keep your focus on your reading time while you have the designated time! 

If you read through the Bible but feel like you need to read the same verse more than once for it to sink in, try reading it out loud - even just quietly. I find that my mind is forced to engage with a book if I am reading it out loud.