Before I ever started reading the Bible, I could have given you a hundred reasons why I didn’t need to.
“It’s for other people – pastors, Bible scholars, Sunday school teachers, mature believers, or super Christians”
“I get enough Bible at church on Sundays.”
“I don’t have time to myself.”
“I’ll get to it later.”
“It’s too hard.”
“I’m too tired.”
I’m sure you could add your own reasons, too. But let’s just be honest and call them what they are – excuses.
When I look back now, I realize those excuses weren’t really about time or energy. They were about my heart.
Because underneath every excuse was this quiet belief:
“I have all the answers.”
“I don’t need authority in my life.”
“I’m not fully committed.”
“I call the shots.”
“I say what’s true for me.”
“I don’t need God. I am God.”
The Bible warns about that kind of pride:
“Do not lean on your own understanding.” – Proverbs 3:5
“Do not be wise in your own eyes.” – Proverbs 3:7
“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction.” – Proverbs 1:7
The Bible Changes Everything
I talk about the Bible so much more than any other habit or spiritual discipline because I’ve seen how it directly affects every area of my life, and the people around me.
More than all the busy, working mom hacks, meal planning, a workout routine, or all the self-help, well-meaning “live your best life” non-fiction books – nothing else brings you closer to the Source of life, Jesus. His Word is life-giving and life-changing.
“For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.” – Hebrews 4:12
No other book will change you, shape you, and teach you something new and relevant to your everyday life like the Bible. It’s a supernatural book with supernatural power. It changes you. It disciplines you. It makes you a better mom, wife, worker, neighbor… person.
You don’t have to be a Bible scholar, a pastor, or even a mature believer to read your Bible. God isn’t looking for your credentials. He’s looking for your heart.
Clenched Fists or Open Hands
When I think about how I approach Scripture, I picture two postures: clenched fists or open hands.
Clenched Fists
Clenched fists look prideful, angry, and self-righteous.
It’s holding tightly to your own beliefs, feelings, and worldview – unwilling to be challenged.
It’s plucking verses out of context to fit your own thinking.
It’s reading the Bible with a tight grip on your convictions instead of letting the Bible shape your convictions.
That was me, more often than I care to admit.
Open Hands
Open hands, though, look like humility and a willingness to listen and learn.
It’s pushing through hard passages to understand context. Not just what a verse means for me, but what it reveals about God.
It’s reading with an open mind and a teachable heart, asking the Lord to form my convictions instead of me trying to form His Word around mine.
“The law of the Lord is perfect, refreshing the soul. The statutes of the Lord are trustworthy, making wise the simple.” – Psalm 19:7
“The mocker seeks wisdom and finds none, but knowledge comes easily to the discerning.” – Proverbs 14:6
It’s Not About Legalism
This isn’t about legalism or earning God’s favor. I’m not condemning anyone who hasn’t been reading their Bible regularly. I get it, and I struggled for a long time to figure out a consistent routine that stuck. I share some helpful tips in my last post.
I’m simply convinced that when you give God your first fruits – your time, attention, and humility – He blesses it.
He blesses you with more time and a changed outlook on your day. You start to see purpose even in the most mundane tasks.
Because following Jesus means daily surrender.
Then he said to them all: “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me. – Luke 9:23
As disciples of Jesus, we’re called to deny ourselves – our plans, our way, our agenda – and ask, “Lord, what will You have me do today?” I’ve learned that the best way to hear him answer, to hear his voice, is to know his voice, through his Word.
So when I come to Scripture, I want to come with open hands – ready to receive, ready to be changed, ready to know Him more deeply. Ready to fill my mind with the truth of God’s Word.
Final Thought
Every time you open your Bible, you’re choosing your posture.
Will your hands be open… or clenched?
My prayer is that we all keep coming to God’s Word with open hands – humble, teachable, and ready to be transformed. Don’t give up when it’s hard. I promise it’s worth it.
Run your race on purpose. Stay faithful. Finish well.
Dig Deeper
Faithful Working Mom 