With the help of one of the local Chaplains it has come to my attention, that I tend to pass off information as not relevant when it becomes too tough for me to understand. Well, this isn't good. I feel compelled to not just read the bible, but to study it and gain deeper understanding.
Here's the thing though. I have no clue how to go about it. I know of exegesis... and it is overwhelming. I am missing a good starting point, a structural path I can follow. Does anyone have a clue about good literature, website or anything similar to get me started on this?
Cheers
If you check several, you'll find commentaries disagreeing with each other. But that's OK!
Don't worry about that. Don't rely on them as your final word.
The first step each time for scripture is to read with faith, with a real listening, believing that we will gain understanding that we need right now. (we expect to learn)
Because of faith, we want to know what Christ said to us in order that we would listen and hear.
So, a very good place to start is reading entirely through a gospel, taking your time (some days just 1 or 2 things He said totally fills me and I must stop right there), and letting the words speak, without you talking in your mind, but instead listening.
Even though some or many things will not be understood immediately.
Trust. In time, what you need you learn, because you are listening. So, reading through, remembering the words, dwelling on them, so that they remain in your mind. He actually said to us to do this (this is in John chapter 15). It is okay to read a commentary, but it's not the first step. The first step is real listening, so that you hear. Many things can only be understood by listening fully through entire longer sections like chapters or even entire books. Don't worry if you don't understand something at first, and allow yourself to remember how He said it, and you will recall His wording later, again.
