Why Reading Your Bible Feels So Hard Sometimes
Have you ever looked at your Bible and thought, I just don't feel like reading it today? Or found yourself scrolling social media for an hour while struggling to spend even a few minutes in prayer?
In this episode of Purified and Proven, Clarisa Mann explores why believers sometimes resist the very things that bring them closer to God. Through Romans 8, Galatians 5, and Ephesians 6, she explains the ongoing battle between the flesh and the Spirit, why our feelings aren't meant to lead our faith, and how spiritual discipline is formed through obedience—not emotion.
Many Christians assume that if they don't feel motivated to pray or read their Bible, something must be wrong with their relationship with God. But Scripture reveals that our flesh naturally resists the things of God. The struggle isn't proof that you love God less—it's evidence that a spiritual battle is taking place.
Clarisa shares her own experience of wanting to relax instead of spending time with God and how the Holy Spirit revealed the difference between what we feel and what we know. She also discusses why small compromises can slowly create distance from God, how condemnation differs from conviction, and practical ways to pursue God even when you don't feel like it.
If you've been struggling with spiritual dryness, inconsistent Bible reading, prayer, or feeling distant from God, this episode will encourage you to let God's truth lead your feelings instead of allowing your feelings to determine your obedience.
In This Episode
✔ Why your flesh naturally resists the things of God
✔ The difference between feelings and biblical truth
✔ Why obedience isn't based on emotion
✔ How spiritual warfare continues even when you're tired
✔ Why small compromises can create spiritual distance
✔ The difference between conviction and condemnation
✔ Practical ways to spend time with God when you don't feel like it
✔ How changing your environment can strengthen your spiritual discipline
Scripture References
📖 Romans 8:5-8
📖 Galatians 5:16-17
📖 1 Samuel 15:22
📖 Ephesians 6
📖 Romans 8:1
📖 1 John 3:20
📖 1 John 1:9
📖 Psalm 103
Key Takeaway
Feelings are real, but they were never meant to lead your relationship with God.
Your flesh will often resist prayer, worship, and Scripture, but spiritual maturity is choosing obedience even when your emotions say otherwise. As you continue choosing God over your feelings, your intimacy with Him deepens, your faith grows stronger, and your spiritual discipline becomes rooted in love rather than obligation.
Reflection Questions
- What feelings have been leading my relationship with God lately?
- Where have I allowed small compromises to create distance between me and God?
- What practical step can I take today to spend intentional time with God, even if I don't feel like it?
Practical Steps
✔ Start with praise before focusing on your problems.
✔ Be honest with God about how you're feeling.
✔ Ask the Holy Spirit to help you desire God's Word.
✔ Open your Bible anyway—even if it's only a few verses.
✔ Remove unnecessary distractions that make obedience more difficult.
Connect With Purified and Proven
🎙 Purified and Proven Podcast
Email: purifiedandprovenpod@gmail.com
Substack: clarisamann.substack.com
YouTube: youtube.com/@PurifiedandProven
Helping believers stay committed to their walk with God while navigating the mental and emotional challenges of the Christian journey.
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