Why Does the Bible Feel Like a Puzzle I Can’t Solve?
So, you’ve decided to crack open the Bible, awesome! You’re ready to soak up some divine wisdom, maybe highlight a verse or two for your Insta story. Then you start reading, and, what even is this? One minute it’s poetry, the next it’s a list of who begat who, and then there’s a prophet yelling about locusts. You flip to another page, hoping for clarity, and now you’re stuck on a verse that sounds like it contradicts something you read five minutes ago. If you’re new to this Christian thing, you might be thinking, Is this supposed to make sense? Am I just bad at this?
I’ve been there. I once tried reading Leviticus and ended up googling “why does God care about mildew?” True story. The Bible can feel like a 1,000-piece puzzle with half the pieces missing and no picture on the box. But here’s the good news: you’re not doing it wrong, and you don’t have to be a scholar to get it. The Bible’s complex because it’s deep, not because God’s trying to confuse you. Let’s talk about why it feels like a maze, what it’s really doing, and how you can read it without wanting to throw it across the room.
Why the Bible Feels So Hard to Crack
I know, I know. The Bible can give you a headache sometimes. For one, it’s old, like, written over a period of 1,500 years by dozens of authors. And, the last book was written over 2,000 years ago. It’s full of ancient laws, Middle Eastern customs, and words like “firmament” that sound straight out of a sci-fi novel. No wonder it feels like it’s from another planet.
Then there’s the fact that it’s not just one book, it’s a whole library. You’ve got poetry in Psalms, history in 1 Kings, letters in Romans, and wild prophecy in Revelation. Expecting it to flow like a novel is like expecting your streaming service to stick to one genre, it’s not gonna happen.
Context is another big hurdle. Without knowing the who, what, and why, verses can seem weird or even contradictory. Take Paul telling women to cover their heads in 1 Corinthians 11, for example. It’s not about your 2025 hairdo, it’s about 1st-century Corinthian culture. Without that backstory, it’s easy to get lost. This leads to all kinds of interpretations. Which leads to all kinds of denominations. Which leads to all kinds of…well, you get it.
And let’s not ignore the internet. Scroll through your feed, and you’ll find someone cherry-picking a verse to “prove” the Bible’s outdated or problematic. That kind of noise can make you second-guess everything you read.
Here’s the deal: the Bible’s not meant to be a quick read. 2 Timothy 3:16-17 says, “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.” It’s a lifelong guide, not a tweet. Its depth is what makes it powerful.
The Bible’s Not Trying to Trick You, It’s Inviting You In
Think of the Bible like a treasure chest, not a trap. Yeah, it’s got some locks, but they’re worth picking. It’s God’s story, His love, His plan, His heart for you, and it points to Jesus from start to finish (John 5:39). The confusing bits? They’re part of the richness. Like, those genealogies in Matthew? They’re proof Jesus is the promised Messiah, tied to real history. The prophets? They’re calling out sin but also shouting hope. Even Leviticus, yes, mildew included, shows God’s care for His people’s holiness (and cleanliness).
You don’t have to understand it all at once. Nobody does, not even the pastors with fancy degrees. The goal isn’t to “solve” the Bible; it’s to let it shape you, one verse at a time.
How to Read the Bible Without Losing Your Cool
If you’re new to faith and the Bible feels overwhelming, here’s how to dive in without drowning:
- Start with Jesus: The Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, John) are your best bet. John’s especially clear about who Jesus is. Try one chapter a day, takes five minutes.
- Get a Readable Translation: NIV or NLT are great for beginners; they’re clear without losing the meaning. Use the YouVersion Bible App to compare translations, it’s like having a cheat code.
- Grab a Study Guide: Apps like BibleProject or books like The Bible for Everyone break down context and themes. They’re like CliffsNotes for Scripture, minus the big words.
- Ask Questions: Wondering why something’s in there? Write it down, ask a friend, or check a resource like GotQuestions.org. God’s not mad at your curiosity, He absolutely loves it (Matthew 7:7).
- Pray Before You Read: Sounds basic, but asking, “God, show me what You want me to see,” opens your heart. I do this every morning before I open my Bible app and read (I’m reading through the Bible with Thomas Road Baptist church right now. It’s the speed reader edition, finishing it all in 6 months). Psalm 119:18 says, “Open my eyes that I may see wonderful things in your law.” I promise it does make a difference. You’ll still have questions, I know I do, but the Holy Spirit will guide you if you ask.
- Join a Group: A Bible study or church group can make it less intimidating. You’ll hear others’ questions and realize you’re not the only one confused.
The Bible’s Worth the Work
I won’t sugarcoat it; the Bible’s not always an easy read. There are days I still stare at a verse like it’s written in alien code. But every time I stick with it, I find something that hits me right where I am, a promise, a challenge, a glimpse of God’s heart. Hebrews 4:12 says, “The word of God is alive and active.” It’s not just a book; it’s God speaking to you, right now, in 2025.
So, my Christian friend, don’t give up. You don’t need to crack the code overnight. Start small, be curious, and let God guide you through the puzzle. One verse at a time, you’ll see His story, and your place in it, come alive.
And, if you’re interested, I’m writing a book about the Bible. It’s called Meet Your Maker: Discovering God in all 66 Books of the Bible and you can get the first five chapters for free by clicking here. Honestly, this post isn’t a sales pitch for the book. I’ve got a long way to go on it but I’m having a blast. Can’t wait until it’s done and I can share it with you.
☕ A little faith, a little courage, and a whole lot of stubborn joy. – Tonya
What’s the toughest part of reading the Bible for you? Drop a comment, I’d love to hear your thoughts and wrestle through it together!
© 2025 All posts written by Tonya E. Lee
