How To Stay Focused While Reading the Bible: 5 Essential Tips

Do you find it challenging to stay focused while reading the Bible? If so, you're not alone, and I've got some helpful tips to share with you. Stick around because tip number five might surprise you, and is well worth your attention.

My name is Travis Maxey. I engage with the Bible on multiple levels, reading through it once every month and undertaking verse-by-verse studies. I even offer my commentary notes for free at immerseddisciple.com or through the link in the description below.

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In our modern age, distractions abound. They affect us all differently, but personally, I liken myself to a ferret, drawn to shiny objects. Every little sound or notification is a potential distraction, pulling us away from what's important. Our modern lives have made it difficult to “be still and know that God is God.” That's why I'm sharing these five tips to help you slow down and enhance your concentration while reading the Bible.

Tip 1: Find a Quiet Place

It's crucial to find a space free from external noise and distractions before you can read through those distractions. With seven kids at home, I understand that this can be a challenge. I even wake up at 5:00 AM, only to find some of my children already up. Do I skip my Bible reading because of this? No. I've learned to read alongside them. But when you're starting, seek a quiet spot where you can dedicate time to reading the Bible. Teach your kids to respect this time—just as John and Charles Wesley's mother did by reading with a sheet over her head—a sign that she was in her own space.

Tip 2: Remove Distractions

Your quiet space should be free of all distractions, particularly electronic ones. Phones and gadgets need to be put away. When a screen lights up, such as the phone on my counter, it tempts us to look at it instead of focusing on our reading. Develop self-discipline by keeping such distractions out of sight and sound. Your focus right now should be on getting to know God through His word.

Tip 3: Recenter Yourself

It's essential to know your limits and recenter when necessary. Having undergone multiple spinal fusions, I know firsthand the importance of recognizing physical thresholds. I shouldn't stand or sit too long, so before I get to the pain point, I need to adjust. Find your own reading threshold, whether it involves reading a paragraph or a chapter before refocusing, just recognize your threshold and before you get there, refocus. Modern attention spans are short, and technology contributes to this. Regularly recenter yourself by reflecting on what you just read and realigning your focus with phrases like, "God, I want to know you."

Tip 4: Write Down Your Questions

Distractions often arise from questions we try to answer immediately. I've read the Bible 55 times, yet I still have unanswered questions. Getting bogged down in one question can be problematic, as the answer may lie in subsequent chapters or books. Keep a journal to jot down questions, allowing you to forget about them for the moment and continue reading. You can return to these questions later, which frees your mind to absorb the current content.

Tip 5: Don't Fret About It

It's natural to feel distracted—after all, we are human. However, it's essential not to let distractions upset you. Push past them, just as you would in a conversation with a loved one, where you may not remember every detail later. The focus should be on the essence of the conversation and continuing to build your relationship with God. Keep reading, even if you get distracted or forget what you just read. You'll return to those passages over time, continuously growing in your knowledge and relationship with the Lord.

In conclusion, eternal life is about knowing the one true God and Jesus Christ. Bible reading is part of that journey, enabling you to converse and foster a deeper connection with God. Stick with it, day by day, and embrace the process of getting to know Him. Don't get fixated on what's behind; instead, move forward and seek Him with diligence, for He will be found.