By Nick Bibile
Have you ever read a book, and when you finished the chapter, you realized you had no idea what you just read? You saw all the words, but they didn't sink in. Reading the Bible can sometimes feel like that. It's easy to just go through the motions, thinking we've done our "spiritual duty" for the day. But reading the Bible without understanding it is like eating food without tasting it—you’re getting the motion, but not the nourishment.
The Bible isn't just a book of stories; it's a guide for your life. That's why it's so important to truly understand what the words mean. Think about Nehemiah 8:8, where the religious leaders made a special effort to explain the Law of God so the people could actually get it. They didn't just read the words; they broke them down so everyone could understand and apply them.
Jesus himself challenged the religious experts of his time, the Scribes and Pharisees, by asking them, "Have you not read?" He wasn't asking if they had seen the words on the page. He knew they were experts who had probably read the Scriptures countless times. Instead, he was pointing out that they had missed the deeper meaning. They had the words in front of them, but they didn't have the understanding in their hearts.
So, how can you make sure you’re not just seeing the words but truly understanding them?
Pray for Wisdom: Before you even open the Bible, take a moment to pray. Ask God to help you understand what you're about to read. The Bible is spiritual food, and you need the Holy Spirit to help you digest it.
Don't Be Afraid to Ask: If you read something that doesn't make sense, don't just skip over it. Ask a spiritually mature person you trust. There's no shame in not knowing something!
Remember and Obey: The real blessing of reading the Bible comes from not just understanding it, but also remembering it and obeying what it says. As Jesus said in John 8:51, when we obey His word, we receive eternal life.
Reading the Bible with understanding, meditating on its meaning, and putting it into practice is what truly honors God. It's not about how many verses you read in a day, but about how much of what you read sinks into your heart and changes your life.