5 tips to read the bible daily | Christian Living

How many of us feel the burden of not reading the Bible enough, not praying enough, and not being present with God enough? There’s often a disconnect between our busy schedule and no available time to make room for God. We tend to whisper, “I don’t have enough time….” It can be hard to maintain a vibrant relationship with God. I know it has been a challenge in my own life as a wife, a content creator, teacher, writer, sister, daughter, and friend. I have many platforms, and it can be challenging to fit in a few minutes of quiet time. Something is constantly grabbing our attention. There is hope; God welcomes us into His presence even through the busy seasons of life. 

Jesus says,

Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. – Matthew 11:28

We may not be able to fit in a 30 or 60-minute bible study each day, but we can fill our heart and mind with His words even in a few minutes. We can find time to be with God if we ask Him to reorganize our day. We may have to eliminate some things off our to-do list. Here are 5 tips to help you overcome the struggle to read your Bible daily.

Find a neutral area without distractions. Our surroundings influence our mood and focus. Eliminate and remove yourself from distractions (noise, t.v., cellphones, and radio). They can still be a source of temptation. Try sitting on the porch, in a closet, or even in the bathroom. Any space will do, but I find sitting next to a window, with the natural light and breeze, helps create a calm atmosphere. 

Everyone’s home and family are structured differently. Discuss with them that you’d like a few minutes each day uninterrupted (unless it’s an emergency) and without distraction to read the Bible. It can be at any time of the day but don’t feel obligated to spend 60 minutes. Try to start with 10-15 minutes first, and ask God to help you make the most of the time. If you can increase the time, God will help you find a way later.

Say a prayer before you begin. Reading the Bible is about engaging with the text at the heart level. If our minds and hearts are restless, the quality of understanding the text will have no effect. Try saying a short prayer before opening the Bible. Invite God to help you navigate the scriptures with total concentration, wisdom, and grace. Ask God to remove any distractions, both physically and mentally. Allow God to reveal the truth and how apply it to your own life. If you have difficulty with prayer, use this Bible verse as your starting point.

Read Psalm 119:33-37 as your first Bible reading:

“Teach me, O Lord, the way of Your statutes, And I shall keep it to the end. Give me understanding, and I shall keep Your law; Indeed, I shall observe it with my whole heart. Make me walk in the path of Your commandments, For I delight in it. Incline my heart to Your testimonies, And not to covetousness. Turn away my eyes from looking at worthless things, And revive me in Your way.” – Psalms‬ ‭119:33-37‬ ‭

Prayer invites God into our hearts and draws us near Him.

Use a Reading Plan. A reading plan is a great way to structure your time in the Word and outlines how to approach reading the scriptures daily. Choose a plan that is doable and not burdensome. Perhaps choose a different plan from the one you may have tried before. Simply choose a plan that works for you. Make adjustments if you need to, and don’t be so legalistic. You can even spend 12-15 minutes daily to start. God desires our hearts and fellowship. Take your time and be flexible.

Invite others to join you. It may take time for you to be comfortable partaking in group settings. Don’t feel guilty if you aren’t ready. Maybe start by inviting someone who shares your interest in reading the Bible. As much as God enjoys alone time with us, it pleases Him when we can encourage others to join the experience.

Sharing is caring. The more we share, the more motivated we will be to read the Bible. The goal isn’t to get through the Bible quickly or memorize all the scripture. We study God’s Word to learn who He is and allow the knowledge to cause us to transform our hearts. Seeking others for help is a great way to share the gospel and delight in the Lord.

Other available resources. Many resources are available on the market: daily devotionals, bible study workbooks, notebooks, journals, or highlighters to support your reading experience. You don’t need to load up tons of material to study the Bible. Start with simple tools and materials. Various translations can make the Bible easier to read, but some versions use familiar modern language, leading to misinterpretation. Choose wisely and do your research. We must read the text through God’s lens, not based on our ideas, opinions, feelings, culture, and preferences. A great place to start would be to check out The Daily Grace Co., which offers biblical resources. 

God has given you everything you need to grow in your relationship. Sometimes you need a little help figuring it all out. Spiritual intimacy isn’t reserved for the few who do it right—it’s for those who yearn to build a relationship with God. I hope these tips were helpful. Spending time with God is not a duty but an incredible privilege. Delight in Him.

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