How To Start Reading the Bible Consistently
We’ve all been there. Saturday evening means one thing— church is tomorrow. You sit down at the table, Bible, journal, and pens laying there ready to be used. You’re ready to dig into the word. Then your phone goes off.
You’re here because you have trouble starting to read the Bible and sticking to it. You might try over and over again to get in the right headspace, set the right mood, and dive deep into the word, but something gets in the way and you look at it and decide that you will try again tomorrow.
One of the most trying things in these times is how the world will pull you away from God. It’s a constant struggle to pull yourself back and not let the world– or yourself get in the way.
So that begs the question: how do I start reading the Bible and stay consistent?
1. Set a time
Set a set time of day that you always have available and read no matter what. For example, on your lunch break, pull out your Bible (either physical or mobile) and read.
You can start small— and as small as you need to. Whether that’s one chapter a day or even a verse. I highly suggest choosing a book and seeing it until the end. Some really popular choices are the Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke and John), Proverbs, Psalms, or shorter books like James, 1-2 John or Ruth.
If you’re a new Christian, I suggest starting with a gospel and learning about Jesus and his life. When you’re ready and want to learn more, move to Genesis and run through the whole Bible.
Regardless, start small and stay consistent. Remember that it is important to show God reverence and worship even when we want to let little things in life drive us further away.
If you’re really stuck, stick to the same amount of time reading a day instead of controlling when you read. Commit to 5 minutes at some point in the day and stick to it. Maybe that’s 5 minutes in the morning on Monday, 5 minutes in the evening on Tuesday, or 5 minutes in the afternoon on Wednesday.
2. Use Devotionals
A devotional is a resource that either goes through a whole book or explores a certain topic in the Bible. They are often broken up into daily chunks over a certain number of weeks. What is so great about devotionals is that they allow you to read without worrying what to pick. It also allows you to stay consistent in a certain topic or theme so you can get a better grasp of what you’re reading. A bonus is to pair that devotional with a study Bible and get even deeper if you’re eager or more seasoned.
It is not a supplement for reading the Bible, but if it encourages you to read, it is worth giving it a shot.
Devotionals are a great resource because they allow you to stick with a theme or a book and encourage you to read and be able to dissect it a little easier than reading on your own without any methods to use. (Hint hint. If you’re looking for Bible reading methods be sure to tune in next week!!)
3. Read with a friend
One of the best ways to stay accountable is to have someone else on the journey with you! Enlist a friend who also wants to be better about reading and encourage each other. Text each other every day and ask what they read. Or if it’s someone you room with or your spouse, read together each day. Any way that you all can keep each other going and keep each other from falling behind.
Maybe you’re reading alone. and that’s okay too! For accountability you can always use a habit tracker! Something to have the gratification of marking off and returning to to see your progress.
I’m always here as a supporter as well. If you need a buddy to keep you going leave me a comment and I’ll help keep you going!!
