How I Read the Bible When I’m Sleepy

I work on a college campus, and my responsibilities rise and fall with the predictable patterns of the academic calendar. Energy is high and eyes are bright in August and September, but by the time late November hits, malaise is in the air.

This change is most visible in students, but faculty and staff also have tasks that cluster around the end of the semester. At this time of year, we all need rest.

One doesn’t need to be involved with education to feel weary, though. Chances are, if you’re reading this article, you don’t have as much energy as you’d like. Family responsibilities, work, health, financial worries—these all combine to add to our fatigue.

How should a Christian approach their devotional life in a season like this?

God Understands

In my early years as a Christian, I felt guilty for missing devotional times. I didn’t have a good understanding of God’s grace, so even though I wouldn’t have said this out loud, I believed that God loved me just a little bit less on those days when I didn’t pray or read the Bible.

I hope that I have a more biblical view now, that Jesus’s work has demonstrated God’s perfect, fatherly love for me. I am forgiven and adopted by the High King of Heaven. Nothing I do can increase or decrease his affection for me.

So, if you’re struggling to meet with God these days because you’re exhausted, please know that God understands. The Lord is compassionate; he knows our frame (including our weaknesses and tiredness); his steadfast love is great toward those who fear him (Ps 103:11–14).

Combine Two Methods

When I am tired, the primary way I read the Bible is by using my eyes and ears together. I’m far from the first person to discover or suggest this, but let me explain why it is a particular help in this season.

Despite good intentions, if I’m sleepy I tend to nod off when reading my physical Bible. I wish it weren’t so, but those are the facts. To stay awake, I’ve tried pacing around my house when reading, but I’ve had limited success. (I usually end up doubly tired.)

An audio Bible by itself is sometimes helpful when I’m lacking energy. But in this diminished state my mind wanders easily. And closing my eyes to focus is not an option!

So, I’ve found that combining these two methods helps. I keep my Bible open in front of me and my audio Bible playing in my ears. Because I have two senses engaged in the same task, I’m able to stay awake a bit better. The word in my ears helps to propel my eyes across the page. I’m sure that my retention isn’t as high as when I’m feeling tip-top, but I think pressing ahead at times like this can be helpful.

This isn’t a magic pill. I still nod off sometimes. And this adjustment might not work for everyone.

But it often helps me when I’m tired. Bible intake is my goal, even if that intake is with a slow, foggy mind.