I Read the Bible and Feel Nothing—What Should I Do?

Summary

In this video, the speaker offers encouragement for those who struggle to feel anything while reading the Bible. She uses an analogy comparing Bible reading to eating meals, where not every meal is memorable, but consistent nourishment is essential. She stresses that spiritual growth involves both discipline and moments of spontaneous love for Christ. The speaker encourages viewers to continue reading the Bible even on days when they don’t feel emotionally stirred, reminding them that over time, their desires for God's Word will deepen. The video also touches on the importance of honesty with God about spiritual dryness and invites others into that process.

Takeaways

• 😀 It's normal to not feel anything when reading the Bible, and that doesn't mean you're doing it wrong.
• 😀 Reading the Bible is like eating meals; some are memorable, and some are not, but both are necessary for nourishment.
• 😀 Just as you wouldn't stop eating if every meal isn't extraordinary, you shouldn't stop reading the Bible just because it doesn't always feel impactful.
• 😀 Consistency in reading the Bible, even on days when it feels routine or unremarkable, helps build spiritual strength over time.
• 😀 Quality time with God, like quality time in any relationship, is developed through consistent quantity time.
• 😀 Don't expect every Bible reading session to be a spiritual high—discipline is key to continued growth in faith.
• 😀 John Piper's quote: the Christian life includes both disciplines (willpower) and spontaneous overflow of love for Christ—both are necessary.
• 😀 Be honest about your spiritual struggles and lack of desire to read the Bible; honesty with God can lead to change in your heart.
• 😀 Discipline in reading the Bible can eventually lead to a deep desire to engage with God's word more profoundly.
• 😀 Spiritual growth happens when you persist in reading and show up even on days you don't feel like it. The more you engage, the more you will grow to love it.
• 😀 The joy and delight in God's word come from consistent engagement; over time, you will develop a taste for it that brings joy.

Q & A

Why might someone feel disconnected or unmotivated when reading the Bible?

People may feel disconnected when they don't experience emotional highs or deep insights during their Bible reading. This can create discouragement or the feeling that Bible reading isn't worthwhile.

How does the speaker suggest we approach Bible reading when we feel nothing?

The speaker advises that we continue showing up to read the Bible, even when we don't feel emotionally moved or receive any major insights. The key is persistence and consistency.

What analogy does the speaker use to explain the importance of continued Bible reading?

The speaker compares Bible reading to eating meals. Some meals are memorable (like a birthday dinner), while others are ordinary (like a PB&J sandwich). The point is that not every Bible reading will be profound, but consistency is important for spiritual growth.

Why is it okay to not always feel emotionally stirred when reading the Bible?

It’s okay because not every Bible reading session needs to be an emotional or spiritual high. Just as eating a simple meal is still nourishing, consistent Bible reading will have an impact, even if it's not always emotionally stirring.

What does the speaker say about the relationship between discipline and emotional overflow in the Christian life?

The speaker explains that the Christian life involves both disciplines requiring willpower (like reading the Bible when we don't feel like it) and moments of spontaneous emotional overflow (like feeling deeply in love with God). Both are necessary and contribute to spiritual growth.

What is the difference between hypocrisy and honesty in the context of Bible reading?

Hypocrisy is doing something we don't feel like doing and pretending we enjoy it, while honesty is doing what we don’t feel like doing but being transparent with God about our feelings, asking Him to change our hearts.

How does the speaker suggest we handle feelings of dread or lack of emotion when reading the Bible?

The speaker suggests being honest with God about our feelings, praying for a change of heart, and asking God to give us a renewed desire for His word, even if the emotional connection isn't there yet.

What quote from John Piper does the speaker reference, and how does it relate to the video’s message?

The speaker references John Piper’s quote: 'Life in Christ is made up of both, disciplines that require willpower and, spontaneous overflow of love for Christ, and both are necessary.' This quote supports the idea that both discipline and emotional experiences are essential in the Christian life.

How does the speaker explain the importance of both quality and quantity time in a relationship with God?

The speaker explains that while quality time with God is important, it is cultivated through quantity time—meaning regular, consistent time spent with God, even if it's not always emotionally fulfilling.

What personal experience does the speaker share to relate to the struggle of maintaining Bible reading habits?

The speaker shares their personal experience as a new mom, where the demands of motherhood sometimes made it harder to maintain the same Bible reading habits they had before, illustrating the challenge of finding time and desire for Bible study during life changes.