One of the biggest reasons the Bible doesn’t always make sense is because we often read it through our own cultural framework. We bring our experiences, our norms, and our expectations into the text, and then we interpret what we see based on what feels familiar to us. The challenge is that the Bible was not written in our culture, and it was not written in our time.

For example, something as simple as a famine can be understood very differently depending on perspective. In one context, famine might mean inconvenience or limited options. In another, it means survival, loss, and desperation. When we read Scripture without understanding the weight behind these words, we can unintentionally minimize what is actually being communicated.

Language also plays a role. Words and phrases do not always translate with the same meaning across cultures and time periods. Idioms, expressions, and even common terms can carry deeper or different meanings than what we assume at first glance. That means sometimes we are reading correctly, but interpreting incorrectly.

There is also the issue of expectation. We often expect the Bible to align with what feels logical, comfortable, or culturally acceptable. But Scripture is filled with truths that challenge the way we naturally think. It teaches strength through weakness, freedom through surrender, and greatness through serving others. When we encounter these kinds of paradoxes, they can feel confusing because they do not match what we have been taught to expect.

This is where many women get discouraged. They assume that confusion means they are not understanding, when in reality, it may mean they are being challenged to see differently. Instead of assuming something is wrong, it may be an invitation to slow down, ask questions, and allow God to expand your perspective.

This means you need to change how you approach Scripture, not just how often you read it. Instead of rushing through passages looking for quick answers, begin to slow down and pay attention to what might be unfamiliar or uncomfortable. Those moments are often where deeper understanding begins.

You also need to release the pressure to understand everything immediately. Growth in understanding happens over time, and clarity often comes in layers. Give yourself permission to sit with what you don’t fully understand instead of rushing past it or dismissing it.

Another important shift is to stay open to learning. That may mean exploring context, asking questions, or revisiting passages with fresh eyes. When you stop assuming you already understand and start approaching Scripture with curiosity, it creates space for real insight.

Most importantly, invite God into the process. Understanding Scripture is not just an intellectual exercise. It is a relational one. Ask Him to help you see clearly, to correct your assumptions, and to guide your understanding. When your lens begins to change, the Bible will not feel distant. It will begin to feel alive and relevant in a new way.