In this episode of the 119 Bible Bootcamp, we get real about the struggles that show up once you actually open your Bible. From distractions and doubts to lack of time and questions about whether it’s making a difference—these struggles don’t mean you’re failing. They simply mean you’re a learner. And God delights to teach learners. You’ll discover practical, grace-filled ways to keep going, even when Bible study feels hard.
- Why struggles in Bible study are normal—and what they reveal about your growth.
- Practical ideas for finding “even 5 minutes” to spend in Scripture.
- What to do when distractions take over or when you don’t feel anything.
- How to respond when you don’t understand what you’re reading.
- Encouragement for applying Scripture and building consistency over time.
Struggles in Bible study don’t mean you’re failing—they mean you’re a learner. And learners are exactly the kind of people God loves to teach.
Hey there friend, and welcome to Beneath The Fig Tree. I’m so glad you’re here. Like, really a lot.
This season we’re doing something called the 119 Bible Bootcamp, where we’re walking step by step through Psalm 119 as our treasure map into God’s Word.
Back in Episode 43, we talked about mindset—what we bring with us when we sit down to read the Bible. Because how you approach the Word often shapes what you’ll notice in it.
But here’s the truth—even with the right mindset, struggles still show up once you’re actually in the Word. Maybe you feel like you don’t have enough time. Maybe you get distracted. Maybe you don’t understand what you’re reading or you’re not sure it’s making a difference. And sometimes the challenge is applying what you’ve read, or simply staying consistent.
That’s what today is about: not the mindset we carry in, but the struggles we face while we’re actually studying. And the good news is this: struggles don’t disqualify you. They’re part of being a learner. And God delights to teach learners.
Psalm 119:27 gives us the perfect prayer for these moments: “Make me understand the way of your precepts, and I will meditate on your wondrous works.”
So let’s walk through some of the most common Bible study struggles—and how God meets us right there.
Finding Time for Bible Study When Life Feels Full
If you’ve ever thought, I’d love to study my Bible more, but I just don’t have the time, you’re not alone. Life is full, and quiet hours with candles and coffee aren’t always realistic.
But here’s the shift: Bible study doesn’t have to be long to be meaningful.
Psalm 119:32 says, “I will run in the way of your commandments when you enlarge my heart.” Notice—the running comes after God enlarges the heart. Your capacity isn’t self-generated. It’s given.
So what if instead of aiming for long sessions, you simply looked for five minutes?
Here are a few practical ways:
- Virtual Bible Caddy (Episode 7). Load a Bible app, a note app, maybe a devotional, right on your phone. That way you’re ready for the grocery line, the school pick-up line, or those few minutes before a meeting. Scripture is always in reach.
- Pair Scripture with routines. Read one verse while the coffee brews. Listen to an audio Bible while folding laundry or taking a short walk.
- Reframe small moments. Five minutes isn’t “less than.” It’s faithfulness. God can do much with small offerings.
You don’t have to measure your minutes. Just give Him what you have and know that He can a lot with a little—including, increasing your capacity, time, and hunger for more.
When Distractions Keep Pulling You Away
You finally sit down with your Bible. Two verses in and suddenly you’re planning dinner, or replaying a conversation, or mentally scrolling through your to-do list.
Friend, you’re not broken—you’re human. Even the psalmist prayed, “Turn my eyes from looking at worthless things”(Psalm 119:37).
Here’s a gentle shift: Instead of scolding yourself, turn distractions into prayer prompts. If your grocery list pops up, pray for provision. If a name surfaces, pray for that person. Let the interruption become an invitation.
And if the distractions feel constant? Remember: every time you bring your wandering mind back to God, you’re practicing devotion. That’s an act of love.
Also, if you haven’t listened to Episode 4 on how to invite your to-do list and constant distractions into your quiet time, make sure to check that one out. I’ll link to it in the show notes.
What If I Don’t Feel Anything When I Read the Bible?
Maybe you’ve opened your Bible and walked away thinking: Nothing happened. I didn’t feel God. Maybe I’m doing it wrong
Here’s the truth: feelings are wonderful, but they’re optional.
Isaiah 55:11 promises that God’s Word never returns void. Even when you don’t sense it, His Word is accomplishing its purpose.
It’s a little like cardio exercise. You don’t always feel like it’s working. You may not see the scale shift right away. But endurance is building. Muscles are strengthening. Clothes start to fit differently.
The same is true with Scripture. You may not “feel” different after one reading, but your heart is being strengthened. Your endurance in faith is growing. Seeds are being planted beneath the surface.
And sometimes, those seeds break through in small, surprising ways—like we’ll talk about a little later.
What to Do When You Don’t Understand Scripture
This might be the most common Bible study struggle of all. You read a passage and think, What does this even mean?
Your hands have made and fashioned me; give me understanding that I may learn your commandments.
If David, the God called “A man after my own heart,” and the one who penned the Psalams prayed for understanding, so can we. Confusion is not a sign of failure—it’s a sign that we’re pointing our hearts toward God and that’s what He longs for more than anything.
A simple prayer before you open your Bible—“Lord, what do You want to show me today?”—can shift everything.
And if you read something that doesn’t make sense, pause and ask, “Holy Spirit, what does this mean?”
And… in upcoming episodes, we’ll explore practical ways to dig deeper into Scripture and make sense of what you’re reading. So hang tight—I’ve got you. Not that I fully understand all of scripture, but I know how to search for the answers.
Is My Bible Study Making a Difference?
Sometimes the quiet fear is this: Am I wasting my time?
Seeds in the soil don’t look impressive either. But growth is happening underground before it ever pushes through the surface.
Psalm 119 reminds us again and again that God’s Word takes root in the heart. Isaiah 55:11 says His Word always accomplishes what He sends it to do. Always.
And I’ve seen this in my own life. Recently I heard a teaching on Romans 13:14—“make no provision for the flesh.” That one phrase stuck with me. It didn’t instantly change my cravings or my habits. But it gave me a pause. Now, whenever I find myself reaching for food I don’t need, those words surface. They give me a moment to choose. And more often than not, I choose the better thing. Over time, those repeated small choices are reshaping my habits.
Back in Episode 44, we said: The Word doesn’t just inform you—it transforms you. Transformation is usually quiet and gradual, but it’s real. Every time you open your Bible, you’re planting seeds God promises will grow.
The difference may not be dramatic, but look for the small signs:
- A gentler spirit in a tense moment.
- A calmer response when you’d normally snap.
- A lighter heart, a little more peace than before.
Small shifts add up. Over time, they become transformation.
I’m Not Sure How to Apply What I’m Reading
Maybe your struggle isn’t understanding the words, but figuring out how they connect to your real life.
This is where I’d encourage you to revisit Episode 50, where we talked about applying Scripture. But here’s the quick reminder:
- Start with one verse.
- Ask one question:What does this show me about God?
- Take one small step.
Application doesn’t have to be dramatic. Sometimes it’s choosing one word or phrase and letting it guide your prayer, your words, or your perspective for the day.
Staying Consistent in Bible Study
Finally, there’s the struggle of simply showing up. Maybe you start strong but fall off. Or you feel like you’re constantly beginning again.
Friend, consistency grows slowly, just like any other rhythm in life. And there’s no shame in starting over—because every return is a victory.
We’ll talk more about how to build sustainable rhythms in the next episode. But for now, hold on to this: God values your desire to meet with Him more than He counts your missed days.
So we’ve talked about mindset back in Episode 43. And today, we’ve walked through the real-time struggles that pop up in Bible study—the distractions, the doubts, the lack of time, the confusion, the questions about whether it’s working, and even the challenge of applying and staying consistent.
And to help, I’ve created a companion kit for this episode. It’s a simple printable where you can name the barrier you’re facing and choose one gentle step forward.
Friend, hear me: struggle doesn’t mean failure—it means you’re learning. And God loves to teach learners.
Let’s cultivate a devotional life you love. Like, really love. Because it is possible—and it’s easier than you think.
And if this episode encouraged you, would you share it with a friend or leave a review? That helps more hearts discover the treasure waiting in God’s Word.
