Truth Tuesday- Are Women Really Too Busy to Study the Bible?

Last week, I introduced “Tuesday Truth”. For the heart behind this series, you can check out the intro video on Instagram (@casspattillo) or Facebook www.facebook.com/diariesofadaughterblog. For now, let’s jump in with our first “lie.” Unfortunately, a pervasive teaching I often hear is women are simply “too busy” to study Scripture. This thought typically comes with good intentions. As women, we do have a lot on our plates. With God’s Word as our authority and foundation, let’s ask…

Are women really too busy to study the Bible?

Here’s the thing- The Bible is God’s special revelation to us. It’s the main way we know him and his character. Ladies, the last thing Satan wants is for us to be women who know God’s character! The more we know God’s character, the more we love him, and the more we live for his glory. Satan isn’t pleased with this, so of course he feeds us this “too busy” lie.

Yes, we’re busy and our to-do lists are long. However, we make time for homework because it needs to be done. We make time to grocery shop, because our family needs food. What’s the key word? Need. No matter how busy I am, I provide dinner for my family (even if it’s McDonalds) because it’s a need. I really believe this is a main issue with Bible study- we don’t see it as a need. It’s something nice to do if the rest of our day goes smoothly.

Ladies, our plates are full, but we can’t buy into Satan’s lies. If busyness keeps us from Scripture, then we’ll never study it. No matter the age of our kids or the type of job we have, there’s no “perfect” season and life will always be busy. We must see what Jesus says about what’s needed. In Luke 10:38-42, Jesus is in the home of Mary and Martha. Many of us relate to Martha, don’t we? She’s busy doing many things and is frustrated with Mary as she sits at Jesus’ feet. Sisters, let’s not miss Jesus’ response (vs. 41-42), “But the Lord answered her, ‘Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things, but one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the good portion, which will not be taken away from her.’” There’s beautiful freedom in Jesus’ words! He says ONE thing is necessary, and that’s to sit at his feet. Therefore, above laundry, the demands of jobs, and doing the dishes, the one thing that’s necessary is time with Jesus. 

The truth is, we make time for what’s important to us. Though we’re busy, we scroll social media, binge Netflix, and exercise. When Hunter was one, The Lord convicted me about what my actions said when I made time for everything but him. Essentially, I tell the Lord those things are more important than him. The Lord showed me if I could watch multiple Netflix episodes daily, then I definitely had time to spend with him. God graciously shifted my priorities and helped me realize his Word is as necessary for my life as oxygen.

Sweet friends, rest in Jesus’ words. There’s no need to be anxious about many things. Instead, we need to do the one needed thing, to sit at his feet. Why is this so necessary? That could be another post entirely, but for starters:

• A lack of knowledge of God and his Word leads to destruction (Hosea 4:6).
• If our foundation isn’t hearing and practicing God’s Word, we’ll crumble when storms come (we don’t know what to practice if we don’t study it) (Matt. 7:24-27).
• The Bible is our Sword of the Spirit (Eph. 6:17). Therefore, we need it to battle temptation (Luke 4:1-13), remind ourselves of truth when the world gives us lies (John 17:17), and much more.
• Every part of Scripture is breathed by God, so every part is important for us to study. It teaches us, reveals sin to grow us in Christlikeness, and trains us to equip us for the good works God has prepared for us (2 Tim. 3:16-17).

Also, God’s Word must be our first resource. It’s our authority and the only thing infallible. Every book, sermon, podcast, blog post, etc. is fallen in some way (though some are better than others, and we must be discerning). The Bible must be our top priority. Therefore, if I only have 30 minutes to spare, I read Scripture instead of anything else. We can’t just read books or listen to podcasts about God. We must read the special revelation of God himself!

Honestly, I believe many of the lies we’ll discuss on Tuesdays stem from this one. Simply put, we don’t actually know God’s Word. In fact, that’s how Satan tempted Eve. In Genesis 3:1, he says, “Did God actually say…” Friends, we must know what God actually says so we can combat lies! The truth is, Satan is crafty (Gen. 3:1). His lies aren’t always obvious. They’re clothed in Christian-ese and pretty fonts, so knowing the truth of Scripture equips us to discern what’s fake.

Ladies, dive into God’s Word. Make that your FIRST priority. If you don’t know where to start, here’s a simple method I use:

1. Choose a book of the Bible (I’m currently reading Acts).
2. Read through 1-2 chapters daily.
3. As you read, write what you learn about God.
4. Use what you learn about God to praise him and guide your prayers.

For more reading on this (suggestions, tips, etc.), here are a few helpful resources:

• Women of the Word by Jen Wilkin
• Well-Watered Women (Bible study resources, truthful Instagram posts, etc.)
• Risen Motherhood’s Bible study guide
• A few articles I’ve written- God’s Word- Sweeter Than Honey. , The Big Story of the Bible & How that Changes Our Bible Study

Happy studying! I pray God’s Word becomes sweeter than honey to you (Ps. 119:103).