“How long did it take?” she asked, her gaze intense with anticipation, hoping for encouragement. “What did it take for your Bible reading to become your delight?”
One of my favorite topics is how God’s Word transformed from my duty to my delight. When given the opportunity to talk about it, I usually highlight specific things I learned during that transition period—Bible study principles, fresh insights I gleaned during personal devotions, etc. But no one had ever asked me how long the transition process took or exactly what was involved.
It was clear my friend was eager, longing for the same experience I had but hoping the process would be quick and painless—I want to love the Bible, and I want to love it now! Indeed, it is a worthy desire.
“That’s a great question! If only I had a concrete answer,” I replied. As I spoke, I tried to remember what triggered the change for me. At what point did I begin to open my Bible because I sincerely wanted to rather than out of a sense of obligation? What was the catalyst for the years-long process of learning to delight in God’s Word?
Several months ago, I received an offer for a free workout session with a professional trainer. After introducing ourselves, the first question the trainer asked me was, “Why do you come to the gym? What’s your motivation for working out?” I suppose it’s another way of asking about my goals, but I wasn’t expecting to be asked about my motivation.
The trainer and I had an enlightening conversation about motivation. I shared about some chronic health issues, the hazards of a career as a sedentary writer, and a desire to be more proactive about health challenges common in middle age and beyond. After every tidbit I shared, the trainer probed deeper, searching for a specific experience or interaction that motivated me to show up several times a week to push myself beyond what’s comfortable and sweat far more than I like to.
Eventually, we concluded that my motivation involves both avoiding undesirable things—like chronic pain, weakness, and poor posture—and attaining worthwhile things—like strength, energy, and endurance. Identifying my reasons for being there helped my trainer provide targeted guidance, reminded me how far I’ve come, and inspired me to keep going.
The whole “what’s your why” trend may seem like fluffy self-help stuff, but I know from experience that a healthy motivation to exercise makes a difference. If I work out because I’m ashamed of my body or because I’m comparing myself to the college student who lives next door, I’m unlikely to keep it up. Because let’s be honest, some days, “I’m just not feelin’ it!” and progress can be slow.
But I joined the gym because I want to be a good steward of my body, to have the strength and energy to do what God has called me to do for as long as He wants me to do it. That motivation propels me into my fading workout clothes several times a week, and I experience the benefits. I notice a difference in all aspects of my life when I don’t get the exercise my body needs. Now, I actually like working out—it’s no longer drudgery but delight. It’s a get-to, not a have-to.
My exercise experience came to mind as I scavenged the archives of my memory to find an answer for my Bible-reading friend. I realized I began to delight in studying the Bible when my motivation changed, when I opened my Bible for reasons other than checking the box on my daily good-Christian to-do list.
What changed my motivation? God did. (That’s the obvious Sunday School answer.) He did it by telling me—right there in Scripture—about all the great benefits of reading and studying the Bible. And as I learned to study the Bible, I experienced those benefits and basically became addicted. Because the benefits are real, tangible, and life-changing.
No time in God’s Word is ever wasted. I would never discourage someone from reading or studying the Bible, even if they were doing it strictly out of a sense of duty. But if that’s you—if you’re the woman reading your Bible solely because you know you should—perhaps some reflection on your motivation can transform your experience. Maybe a renewed understanding of the benefits of God’s Word is all you need to develop an insatiable appetite for more of it.
Here’s a tiny taste:
- Struggling to overcome sin or feel weak in the face of temptation? God’s Word to the rescue!—Psalm 119:11
- Suffering from spiritual malnourishment? God’s Word can change that!—1 Timothy 4:6
- Is your endurance waning as you battle discouragement? God’s Word offers hope!—Romans 15:4
- Does your soul feel broken? God’s Word restores!—Psalm 19:7
- Want to become more like Jesus? God’s Word makes it possible!—John 17:17
- Desire to know God more? His Word is the way!—Hebrews 1:1–3
Does this whet your appetite? Trust me, there’s more. Much more. But I want you to see it for yourself. So, I created something for you. It’s a guide through some of the Scriptures that tell us the benefits of reading and studying the Bible. This would make a great weekend devotional, or work through it one verse at a time and let it be your monthly Bible focus.
Tap the image below to download the 15+ Reasons to Study God’s Word Bible study guide. No email required!
So, tell me—what motivates you to read the Bible? Seriously. I’d love to hear from you!
