Practical Ways To Curb Distractions During Bible Study
Show me Christians who study their Bibles frequently, and I will show you Christians who want to grow. If you hope to advance in your walk with God, you must put effort. This means consciously taking out time to understand the person of God through his word. This is where a Bible study comes in.
For many, an effective Bible study is a Herculean task. Given that, there are numerous diversions in our lives. As such, distractions are almost unavoidable. And these detours somehow creep into scheduled quiet times with God.
So, the question becomes; How can we overcome this adversary and focus on what God is trying to teach us during our Bible time?
In Luke 10:41-42, we see Jesus chiding His friend, Martha, who is struggling with the same issue. In essence, Jesus Christ knows how anxious the human mind can get.
Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things, but one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the good portion which will not be taken from her.
Luke 10:41-42
Martha served with the best of intentions, but she ultimately became sidetracked. And when given the option to worship Jesus by sitting at His feet, she decides to focus on the housework instead, even though it could have waited a few hours.
If you can identify with Martha, raise your hand! Jesus gently persuaded Martha that her sister had chosen the best possession—close association with Him—and told her (Mary) that she had made the right decision. While expressing all of this, He subtly prodded Martha’s heart, urging her to consider her intentions.
That is the kind of attention God demands from us during our Bible studies. He wants undivided attention. How can we now attain this level of focus during Bible studies? Here are some practical ways that can help to curb distractions during Bible study:
- You need a quiet place: During a Bible study, a quiet place is the most practical place to curb distractions. In this kind of environment, you can block out external forces that are inconsequential to the time. And focus on what you are there for- interaction, understanding, and communion with God and His Word.
2. Get a reading plan: How do you intend to avoid distractions during a bible study without a reading plan? A reading plan aids focus. It also gives perspective on what you want to achieve by the end of the bible study. Because without a plan, you are setting yourself up for interruptions thus, a pointless exercise.
3. Listen to the audio Bible app: If you are easily distracted by the slightest bit of noise, plugging in your audio Bible while studying the hard copy is not a bad idea. This way, you are totally immersed in what you are doing, and this creates little or no room for the deviation of what is at hand.
Having a hard time concentrating during Bible study? Do not be too hard on yourself. I have been on that boat too. However, I urge you to make conscious efforts (listed above) to block out the noises.
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