How to Read the Bible When It Feels Overwhelming

By David Hannah

We live in a world with more information than any generation in history. Every question we have can be answered in seconds, yet all that information often leaves us feeling more confused, anxious, and unsure of what is actually true.

When everything feels conflicting, we begin to feel untethered, like we are drifting without direction. But Scripture reminds us that we are not without an anchor. God has given us His Word as a steady foundation, a place to stand when everything else feels uncertain.

The Bible is not just another source of information. It is the living, breathing Word of God: powerful, sufficient, and able to guide us in every season. As Paul reminds Timothy, all Scripture is inspired by God and is profitable for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness.

And yet, for many of us, the Bible feels overwhelming. It is long, complex, and written in a context we do not always understand. Because of that, it often sits unopened, collecting dust.

But what if the goal is not to understand everything at once? What if the goal is simply to begin?

God’s Word becomes a fixed point in a world that constantly spins. Just like a dancer finds balance by focusing on a single point, Scripture helps us stay grounded and oriented in truth.

Reading the Bible does not have to be complicated. Start small. Open it in the morning with a cup of coffee. Read with others and talk through what you are learning. Use helpful tools like commentaries or Bible Project videos to give context, but remember: those tools support Scripture; they do not replace it.

Over time, something begins to shift. Scripture starts to shape how you think, how you respond, and how you see the world. It equips you, strengthens you, and reminds you that you are not as lost as you may feel.

If you are not sure where to begin, start with one of the Gospels: Matthew, Mark, Luke, or John. Spend five minutes a day reading. Start at chapter one and simply keep going.

You do not have to have it all figured out. You just have to start.