I want to read the Bible daily, but I have a hard time digesting what I have read
Question:
I want to read the Bible every day and abide by it, but I have a hard time knowing where to go when I start reading. I usually just open it and read it, but I don't necessarily digest what I'm reading if that makes sense. Because of that, I tend to not make an effort to read it at all. I'm not proud of it. I want to know where to go and fully understand what I'm reading and make it a part of me. Any answer would be appreciated.
Answer:
The reason you are having trouble is that you are not reading with a purpose in mind. I rarely recommend reading the Bible from cover to cover unless someone is well versed in its content. There are too many sections that are dry reading if you don't know what is going on. And I don't recommend focusing on memorization as a primary goal. You learn things because you put them to use. "But solid food belongs to those who are of full age, that is, those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil" (Hebrews 5:14).
I would recommend reading these books as general reading first: Mark, James, Luke, Acts, Proverbs, and Genesis. For Proverbs, I suggest reading only a bit at a time, such as a chapter a day, because it is dense with information. You'll need to give yourself time to digest what you've learned. If there are particular issues that you are facing, ask a preacher; one of their duties is to help guide people in learning and finding what they need to know from the Bible. You are welcome to ask me if you don't have a local preacher to ask. I do have some workbooks that you might find useful to get you thinking deeper about what you are reading, such as one on Genesis.
Another consideration is the translation you are using. Some versions are easier to read than others. Some versions are more accurate than others. I recommend using a version that is readable but doesn't sacrifice accuracy. If you are familiar with the King James Version, then I would suggest the New King James Version because it is more accurate and easier to read. Other good versions are the New American Standard Bible (1995 edition) and the English Standard Version. Probably one of the easiest to read is the New International Version, but there are verses in it that are not translated well.
