Lots of people pick up their Bible’s every once in a while to read, but they just don’t get a lot out of it. You might be one of them. There are LARGE portions of it that you just don’t understand, but you don’t have the time to go off to Bible college to get all the answers either. Is that it? Are you stuck in an endless cycle of knowing the right thing to do but being unable to do it? No way! Right now I am going to show you a few simple tips on how to begin reading the Bible with understanding instead of frustration.

First, remember that each section of the Bible has different rules for reading based on the differing types of literature in it. You would never read a love poem like you do the Wall Street Journal. It’s the same with the Bible. The Psalms are ancient songs of praise to God. You don’t read them like you read the book of I Samuel, which is a historical book about ancient Isreal. So for starters, if it’s history, read it like a historical account. But if it is poetry or “wisdom writings” (like the Proverbs) then treat it accordingly. Everything in the Bible is true, but the writing style can differ drastically.

Now, make sure that you read everything in the right context. Don’t just pick a verse here or there. If you read consistently, the Bible answers most of the questions it asks or prompts in the reader. This is true especially of the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. If you get confused, just keep reading. A solution or clue is usually right around the corner in the next chapter or section.

Always make absolutely certain that you have a readable translation of the Bible. It is very important that you don’t get tripped up dealing with words that are hard to understand. Two very readable modern translations are the NLT, New Living Translation, and the NIV, New International Version. These both provide great, reliable modern translations.

Now, go ahead and pick a Gospel, it doesn’t matter which one, and begin to read. Ask yourself these questions as you read a chapter.

1) What is God saying or communicating to the people?

2) How are the people responding to him?

3) How does God react or respond to the people based on their reaction to him?

4) Now apply it to yourself. Ask yourself, “Am I like or dislike the people in the story and is that a good or a bad thing?”

As you ask yourself these questions, be ready with paper and something to write with to journal your thoughts, questions and comments about the passage. You will find yourself looking deeper into the text as you discover what God is saying and how the passage portrays the reaction people give to God. Then, you can chart your own thoughts about your current life situation and how your relationship with God is doing.

Once that is done, in order to mix it up a little bit, turn to the book of Proverbs in the Old Testament. Start to read a Proverb every day corresponding to whatever day of the month it is. If it is the 15th of the month, then read Proverbs chapter 15. However, one word of caution. Please don’t read the Proverbs as if they were meant to give you specific life promises that are meant to be one hundred percent true for you. That isn’t the purpose of the Proverbs. They were given to us by God to give us general life truth and instruction, all things being equal. As you read the Proverbs, you will find yourself growing in the wisdom which God gives to those who read his word.

If you begin to do these few simple steps, I think you will find that you have taken the next step at not only reading but really understanding your Bible. Try it for thirty days and see what happens.