Have you ever thought about reading the Bible but held off because of feelings like those above? For many, reading the Bible seems daunting. But what if you learned that the Bible can help you to have a happier and more satisfying life? And what if you found out that there are some approaches to reading it that can make it more interesting? Would you be willing to take a look at what the Bible can offer you?

Consider just a few comments from those who found it to be rewarding when they started reading the Bible.

Ezekiel, who is in his early 20’s, says: “In the past, I was like someone who is driving a car without any destination in mind. But reading the Bible has helped me have a meaningful life. It contains practical advice that I can use every day.”

Frieda, also in her 20’s, explains: “I used to be hotheaded. But because of my Bible reading, I’ve learned to control myself. This has made me a lot easier to get along with, so I have more friends now.”

A woman in her 50’s named Eunice says of the Bible, “It is helping me to become a better person, to change my not-so-good habits.”

As those readers and millions more have learned, reading the Bible can help you to live a more enjoyable life. (Isaiah 48:17, 18) Among other things, it can help you (1) make good decisions, (2) make real friends, (3) cope with stress, and (4) best of all, learn the truth about God. The Bible’s advice comes from God, so you can never go wrong following it. God never gives bad advice.

The important thing is to get started. What practical tips can make getting started easier and more enjoyable?

What approach will help you to enjoy your Bible reading and get the most out of it? Take note of five suggestions that have worked for many.

Create the right surroundings. Try to find a setting that is quiet. Minimize distractions so you can focus on what you read. Good lighting and fresh air may help you to get the most from your reading.

Have the right frame of mind. Since the Bible is from our heavenly Father, you will benefit the most if you have the attitude of a child who is ready to learn from a loving parent. If you have any negative, preconceived ideas about the Bible, try to set them aside so that God can teach you.​—Psalm 25:4.

Pray before you read. The Bible contains God’s thoughts, so it is not surprising that we need his help to understand it. God promises to give “holy spirit to those asking him.” (Luke 11:13) The holy spirit can help you to understand God’s thinking. In time, it will open your mind to grasp “even the deep things of God.”​—1 Corinthians 2:10.

Read to understand. Do not read just to cover material. Actively think about what you are reading. Ask yourself such questions as these: ‘What qualities do I see in the person I am reading about? How can I apply this in my life?’

Set specific goals. To be rewarded by your Bible reading, set out to learn something that will truly enrich your life. You may set goals like the following: ‘I want to learn more about God himself.’ ‘I want to become a better person, a better husband or wife.’ Then select portions of the Bible that will help you reach those goals.a

These five suggestions will help you get started. But how might you make your reading even more interesting? The next article offers some suggestions.

Boring? Or refreshing? What will Bible reading be for you? Much depends on how you approach your reading. Let us take a look at what you can do to increase your interest and enjoyment.

Select a reliable, modern-language translation. If you read material that contains a great many difficult or out-of-date words that you do not know, you are not likely to enjoy reading it. So look for a Bible that uses easy-to-understand language that will touch your heart. At the same time, though, it should be carefully and accurately translated.a

Use modern technology. Today the Bible is available not only as a bound, printed book but also as a digital book. Some Bibles can be read online or downloaded for personal reading on computers, tablets, or cell phones. Certain versions include additional tools that allow you quickly to check other Bible verses on the same topic or even compare several translations. If you prefer to listen rather than to read, the Bible is also available in recorded form. Many people enjoy listening while they commute by public transportation, do laundry, or engage in some other activity that permits listening. Why not try a method that suits you?

Use Bible study tools. Bible study tools can help you get much more out of your reading. There are maps of the Bible lands, which will help you locate places you encounter in your reading and put events in perspective. Articles such as those in this magazine or in the “Bible Teachings” section of the jw.org website can help you explore the meaning of many parts of the Bible.

Vary your approach. If reading the Bible from cover to cover seems daunting, why not stimulate your interest by starting with a portion that especially appeals to you? If you want to find out about famous people in the Bible, you could try character-based reading. A sample of that approach is included in the accompanying box “Dig Into the Bible by Getting to Know Its People.” Or maybe you want to read the Bible by topic or by the order in which events occurred. Why not try one of these approaches?

The Bible is no ordinary book. It contains advice from our Creator. (2 Timothy 3:16) Its message can influence us profoundly. In fact, the Bible states: “The word of God is alive and exerts power.” (Hebrews 4:12) It has the power to improve our life in two key ways​—offering guidance in our daily life now and helping us get to know God and his promises.​—1 Timothy 4:8; James 4:8.

Improving your life now. The Bible can help with very personal matters. It gives practical advice about the following.

• Relationships with others.​—Ephesians 4:31, 32; 5:22, 25, 28, 33.

• Emotional and physical health.​—Psalm 37:8; Proverbs 17:22.

• Moral values.​—1 Corinthians 6:9, 10.

• Economic welfare.​—Proverbs 10:4; 28:19; Ephesians 4:28.a

A young couple in Asia greatly appreciated the value of the Bible’s advice. Like many newly married couples, they struggled with adjusting to each other’s personality and with having open communication. But they began applying what they read in the Bible. With what result? The husband, Vicent, says: “What I read in the Bible helped me to deal with challenges in our marriage in a loving way. Living by the Bible has given us a happy life together.” His wife, Annalou, agrees: “Reading examples in the Bible helped us. I now feel happy and content with our marriage and our goals in life.”

Getting to know God. Aside from his comments about marriage, Vicent also says: “By reading the Bible, I feel much closer to Jehovah now than ever before.” Vicent’s observation focuses on an important point​—the Bible can help you get acquainted with God. In so doing, you will not only benefit from his advice but also find that you can get to know him as a friend. And you will see that he reveals details about a better future, a time when you can enjoy “the real life”​—which will last forever. (1 Timothy 6:19) That is something that no other book can offer.

If you set out to read the Bible and keep at it, you too can gain those benefits​—improving your life now and getting to know God. However, as you read the Bible, you will likely think of numerous questions. And when you do, keep in mind the good example of an Ethiopian official who lived 2,000 years ago. He was full of questions about the Bible. When asked if he understood what he was reading, he replied: “Really, how could I ever do so unless someone guided me?”b He then eagerly accepted help from someone who was already a qualified Bible teacher, Philip, an early disciple of Jesus. (Acts 8:30, 31, 34) In the same spirit, if you would like to know more about the Bible, we invite you to submit a request online at www.jw.org or write to the nearest address, as listed in this magazine. You may also contact Jehovah’s Witnesses near you or visit a Kingdom Hall in your area. Why not pick up a Bible today and let it guide you to a better life?