Have you ever had brain fog so bad that it was difficult to read and comprehend what you just read? Brain fog is a common problem for those with chronic illnesses, like Lyme disease, and can be mild to severe and can also wax and wane. Brain fog can make it almost impossible for you to read your Bible don’t worry, all is not lost. I’d like to suggest at least 8 ways you can still read your bible when you have brain fog.
My Quiet Time Routine
For over twenty years I’ve started my day relatively the same way. I wake up before the kids and head downstairs with the intention of having a quiet time. That’s what I call my time with God where I pray, read my bible and get my heart ready for the day.
Before settling in, I drink a large glass of water and then, of course, grab a mug of coffee. I head to the kitchen table with my Bible study tote where I keep my Bible, notebook, whatever devotional I might be reading, some note cards, colored pencils, and pens.
Keeping everything in one place ensures that I can get started right away and not have to search for anything. I really love this tote Artists Fundamentals Tote Bag from Michaels. Once I have everything, I settle in for twenty to thirty minutes and sometimes much longer, to be in scripture.
When I was sick with Lyme disease I often found myself staring at the page but not really seeing the words. I would try to read a passage only to have no idea what I just read! It was so frustrating but I learned to continue to have a productive time reading my Bible even with brain fog.
Brain fog is when your brain feels foggy. You have trouble thinking, concentrating, processing, and forming thoughts.
5 Tips for Reading the Bible With Brain Fog
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Pray
Begin your quiet time with prayer! Ask God to give you understanding as you read His word. Hebrews 4:12 says that the Word of God is living and active, so each time you open it up and read it God will speak to you. As a believer, you are promised the Holy Spirit who is your helper. Ask him to help you understand what you’re reading and how to apply it to your life.
For the LORD gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding. Proverbs 2:6
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Read Less
Rather than sitting down to read an entire book of the Bible or trying to read an intense commentary on the book of Revelation, choose to read a few passages at a time and meditate on them.
I meditate on your precepts and consider your ways. I delight in your decrees and will not neglect your word. Psalm 119:15-16
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Use Scripture Sticky Notes
One of my favorite ways to stay in scripture is to have it written on sticky notes or 3×5 cards and hang them around the house. You will almost always find a scripture card hanging inside my kitchen cabinets, on the wall above the kitchen sink, on my mirror where I put my makeup on and above my desk. This helps me work on memory verses and reminds me of God’s word throughout the day.
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Create Structure
I find it’s helpful to study a book of the Bible or a topic over the course of time. Use resources like Good Morning Girls, to help you stay focused. By doing this you’re studying with a purpose and will learn so much more then if you blindly choose a verse to read. It’s always important to read scripture within the context of which it was written.
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Use Essential Oils
Essentials oils like peppermint, orange, and lemon are invigorating and can stimulate your senses and help you to feel awake, alert, and focused. Just a drop or two will do or get your diffuser going while you drink your water.
The Lord said to Moses, “Take sweet spices, stacte, and onycha, and galbanum, sweet spices with pure frankincense, and make an incense blended as by the perfumer, seasoned with salt, pure and holy. Exodus 30:34
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Listen to the Bible App or Scripture Memory Songs
It’s not cheating to listen to a Bible App like YouVersion. On busy days or late at night when I can’t sleep, I’ll often turn my Bible app audio on and listen to scripture. Sometimes listening is much easier than reading and when you have brain fog, listening may work better for you. I also discovered scripture memory songs on YouTube and Spotify. They are relaxing and music is a very helpful way to memorize just about anything.
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Go to Church
Don’t forget about the importance of going to church! I know that it’s difficult to find a good church. It is, however, very important to keep looking until you do. Hebrews 10:25 says to not neglect meeting together. It’s so important that we are in a Christian community together, encouraging one another, supporting each other through prayer and good works, and learning scripture together. Find a church that believes that the Bible is God’s word and teaches the scriptures. If you don’t have a good church, pray and ask God to help you find one.
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Give Yourself Grace and Lots of It
Reading scripture and having a daily quiet time is not required to be on God’s good side! It doesn’t earn his favor and it certainly doesn’t earn your salvation. The purpose of reading the Bible is to learn about who God is, to learn about his character, and to use it as a tool to grow in your relationship with him. It is a very important part of the Christian life and will help you to be a better Christian but it does not make you a Christian.
God completely understands when you’re too sick to have a quiet time and he knows when you’re having brain fog and when you’re struggling to understand. God gives his grace to you and therefore you should give yourself grace!
Don’t Give Up
I know how discouraging it can be to have brain fog along with chronic illness but I also know how incredibly important it is to stay in God’s word. When you’re sick, being in scripture will encourage you and will remind you of how much God loves you. Even though you might feel lonely and abandoned, scripture reminds you that God will never leave you!
Were these tips helpful to you? I’d love to hear what you’ve found to be helpful for reading the Bible when you have brain fog?
Thank you 🙏 this was much needed.
This is so helpful, Tricia! Thank you for the encouragement!
Thanks Joyce, I’m so glad it was helpful. xoxo