I know I ought to read my Bible, but I've never been much of a reader, and anyway, I just find the Bible confusing whenever I do try to read it. Am I wrong to feel this way? — Mrs. V.K.

God made us and He knows what we can and can't do. He doesn't hold us accountable for things He knows we aren't able to do.

But God does want us to grow closer to Himself—and one of the ways we do this is through His Word, the Bible. As its truth takes root in our lives, it begins to change us from within—which is one reason God gave it to us. He also gave us His Word to guide us and show us how He wants us to live. The Bible rightly says, "Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path" (Psalm 119:105).

This is why I encourage you to make the Bible part of your daily life. Don't worry about what you can't do; focus instead on what you can do—and then do it. Even if you read only a paragraph or two each day, you still will learn more of God's love for you. You might begin with one of the Gospels (using a modern translation you can understand), or with the Psalms (the "hymn book" of the Bible).

Remember too that we learn the Bible not just by reading it for ourselves, but by hearing it preached and taught. Ask God to give you an attentive mind in church each week. Most of all, ask God to help you not only understand what the Bible says, but obey it. The Bible says, "Do not merely listen to the word. ... Do what it says" (James 1:22).