Renewed Focus
I'll be real — staying consistent in my walk with Christ is no easy feat. Even though I’ve written before about how hustle culture can mess with our faith, I still find myself falling into the same trap. I keep saying, "I'm just busy," but deep down, I know it’s just an excuse. The truth is, I’m making excuses for slacking off in my spiritual life. There are plenty of moments when I could be diving deeper into my faith, but instead, I end up mindlessly scrolling through my phone or sitting in front of the TV with my kids (though let’s be real, I’m still on my phone). The reality is, I could make time — I just don’t. And if I’m being brutally honest, sitting down to read the Bible doesn’t excite me. It feels boring, and I know that’s not something you’re supposed to say, but it’s true. I don't always connect with Scripture that way. I'd rather get lost in a fictional story that weaves in spiritual themes than read straight from the Bible. Maybe that’s just how my mind works, or maybe it’s a mindset I’ve let settle in. Either way, I know I need to shift that. This post is my way of calling myself out — challenging myself to rediscover a love for Scripture and make it a regular part of my life again.
To give you some background, I grew up in the church — I like to joke that I was born in a pew. For nearly all of my 39 years, church has been part of my life, as natural to me as breathing. When I was younger, church life was my world. I was there at least four times a week, whether it was for youth group or just hanging around while my parents volunteered. Jesus was always present, always talked about, always part of the conversation. I learned so much about Him, and I knew the stories well. But that’s the thing: I learned. It was all in my head. I could rattle off Bible stories, quote Scripture, and talk about God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit with ease. But, if I’m being honest, it stayed at the surface. I had the knowledge in my head, but I didn’t really know Jesus in my heart.
Here’s the crazy part — I "accepted Jesus" into my heart when I was four. I remember it, but if I’m being truthful, I didn’t fully get it. My Sunday School teacher encouraged it, my friends were doing it, so I went along. But I didn’t understand the weight of that decision. It wasn’t until I was about 15 that it all clicked. I realized I needed to know Jesus personally, not just know about Him. I invited Him into my heart again, this time truly meaning it. It was life-changing, and I was excited. I spent a lot of time reading the Bible, wanting to know more. But over time, that excitement started to fade. I got bored. I didn’t know how to process what I was reading or how to apply it. The words stayed in my head, never reaching my heart. I started coasting. I had enough knowledge to fake it, and I relied on that. I could talk about my faith with anyone, and it seemed like I had it together. But head knowledge only takes you so far. When trouble hit, I had nothing solid to stand on. My faith felt hollow because it was.
So I found myself back in the cycle, trying to pursue heart knowledge. But the same thing kept happening — I still found it boring. I knew I needed more than just head knowledge, and I wanted a real thirst for God’s Word, something that went beyond just hearing a sermon on Sunday. Determined to change, I started doing some research and came across a few insights I want to share with you — because maybe you’re walking a similar road.
⊹ Ask God to Give Me A Love for His Word
It might sound simple, but I’ve started making it a priority to pray for a deeper connection with God. Luke 11:9 says, "Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you." I realized I need to be as honest with God as I am with myself, telling Him about my frustrations, and my lack of excitement for His Word. Instead of holding back, I’m asking Him to stir up a desire in me for His truth, one I can’t ignore or push aside.
⊹ Create An Enjoyable Experience
I’ve noticed I often try to read God’s Word at the worst possible times — when I’m rushed or right before bed, already exhausted. I treat it like a task instead of something to enjoy. Unlike other things I love to do, I haven’t set up an atmosphere where I can really engage with scripture. I squeeze it into the margins of my day, and it feels like an afterthought. I want to change that, to make Bible reading something I actually look forward to, not just another obligation.
⊹ Share What I’m Reading With A Friend
I’ll admit, there are more days than I’d like to when the demands of life — work, errands, family stuff — crowd out time in the Word. It’s so easy to get swept up in the busyness and let that quiet time with God slip away. That’s why it’s crucial to have friends who understand the struggle and can encourage me to make time for God, even in the middle of chaos.
⊹ Give Myself Grace
There have been so many times when I’ve had the best intentions to stick with a Bible reading plan, but life happens, and I miss a day. That missed day turns into two, and suddenly, I’m feeling guilty. The shame builds up, and instead of picking up where I left off, I convince myself that it’s too late to start again. But deep down, I know that’s not God’s heart. He’s not standing there, disappointed, counting the days I’ve missed. He’s waiting with open arms, full of grace. I need to remember to give myself the same grace Christ offers me. It’s never too late to return.
Here’s my challenge to myself: I need to stop letting busyness or shame keep me from what really matters. If I’ve missed time in God’s Word, it’s not too late to start again. His grace is always there, and He meets me where I am. Starting today, I’m committing to making time for Him, even if it’s just a few minutes. I’ll ask Him to reignite a passion for His Word and lean on friends for accountability. And most importantly, I’ll give myself grace when I slip up. God’s love for me isn’t based on how perfectly I follow through — it’s about the relationship He wants with me. I’m stepping back into His Word, trusting He’ll meet me there.