Reading the Bible is a fantastic way to connect with God. However, it can be hard to know how to start reading the Bible. So, we put together some Scripture meditations to help you get started reading Scripture!

Sometimes, It Feels Hard to Believe

Sometimes our souls feel bone-dry. Maybe you don’t want to pick up your Bible right now, and question whether God’s promises are true. Maybe you can’t find the words to pray, you’ve been disappointed, and are wondering if God’s really there. Maybe your heart is hard, you’ve been waiting for a long time, and it doesn’t seem like God is coming through.

God spoke into these kinds of questions with a message of hope for Israel in the midst of their exile. And these words from God can still speak hope into our lives and questions today.

Isaiah 55:10-12

“10 As the rain and the snow come down from heaven, and do not return to it without watering the earth and making it bud and flourish, so that it yields seed for the sower and bread for the eater, 11 so is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it. 12 You will go out in joy and be led forth in peace.”

Observations from the Text

God’s words bring life to his creation (v. 10-11)
What God speaks will be done (v. 11)
God speaks life over us, too (v. 12)

Prayers of Response

Voice of Truth, thank you that your words and your promises are always dependable, even in times of doubt.

Living water, my spirit feels _________. Refresh me.

Prayer Requests

Lord of the desert, right now, I am full of questions, particularly about _________. Speak a word of hope and life over me and help me believe it.

Gracious Father, it feels hard to hear from you because of_________. Please open my heart to what you have to say.

Prayers of Readiness

Good Shepherd, may I go out in joy and be led in peace today as I _________.

Lord, you created my mind, and you know my doubts. May your word water me today and help me grow.

Turning to Scripture in times of hardship or when you’re in need of guidance is a great way to connect with God in the ordinary, extraordinary, everyday moments of life. Visit this page for more Scripture meditations.

Scriptures taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide. www.zondervan.com The “NIV” and “New International Version” are trademarks registered in the United States Patent and Trademark Office by Biblica, Inc.™