“The more you read the Word, the more you crave for it.”
That’s what I realized when I started reading the Bible consistently.
In my previous post, I’ve shared how to read the Bible in one year. It may be a worthy goal but it is a one huge goal.
If you do not yet have the habit of daily Bible reading, it will be challenging to attempt to read the entire Bible in one year. I actually tried before and I’ve failed. But the lessons I’ve learned from last year are very helpful to me right now.
So today, I would like to share with you how to build simple habits to help you read the Bible daily. This is the first part of two-part series on establishing a Bible reading routine.
Jesus himself said in Matthew 4:4:
“Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.”
While we know the importance of daily Bible reading, we find it challenging to read it daily. Our tendency is to opt for the path of least resistance like things that are easy for us to do.
We sometimes reason that we already have too much on our plate to add one more.
So to cultivate any habit, it always has to start with a decision. A habit will not be magically reinforced over night. You have to keep doing it until it becomes fully ingrained in you.
When it comes to Bible reading, how do we do that? Here are some of my tips for you!
1.Pray for a Hunger for God’s Word
In 1 Peter 2:2, we are told to “Be like newborn babies who are thirsty for the pure spiritual milk that will help you grow and be saved.”
We can do nothing apart from God so let us always ask for his help especially in reading His word. This is our spiritual milk that will make us strong followers of Jesus.
2. Do Not Go Big!
Don’t attempt a very grand goal and later beat yourself up for not accomplishing it. Start small and be very specific. Just work on one habit at a time and strengthen it before adding another habit.
It looks something like this:
Instead of attempting to read the entire Bible in one year, try to read the New Testament in a year. Or read the small books of the Bible. Or decide to read one chapter a day.
When I was just starting out, I focused on reading the New Testament because it’s a lot easier for me to understand. Then eventually I branched out to different books. It did not only happen in one year. I’ve read bits and pieces over the course of several years but that helped me gain an understanding of what I’m about to read in the future.
One thing that I have learned is that reading the scripture develops our taste buds to read it more. You learn lots of life lessons and also so many interesting stories.
3. You Cannot Find Time If You Don’t Make Time For It
It can be very challenging to instill a habit if we don’t intentionally make time for it. Choose a time of the day where you can commit consistently. But do not let yourself be limited with that time only. If you are prompted by the Holy Spirit to read at any time, then go for it.
The idea is that by having an allotted time for reading, you are creating a trigger that will associate it with the habit. As our habits solidify, they become so natural that we do them without thinking.
This would also mean giving up something. Be willing to make some trade-off in order to spend more regular time in the Scriptures.
4. Prepare for the Battle Ahead
No matter what time you decide to read, create an environment that will set you up for success.
Maybe you can read in the same spot. Or decide on what you will read the next day. Or prepare your materials.
Choose also what to do with the distractions.
Phone is my major source of distraction and just hearing a notification hypes me up to check it right away. I try my best to keep it away from my sight during my Bible reading.
When I read, all my digital devices are in a separate room or cabinet. I also have all my reading stuff prepared such as my Bible, my plan, my pens and journals.
5. Get More Physical
I know that all of us have different learning styles.
I have tried reading the Bible from my phone or even listening to the audio version. I would say that personally, I always feel fulfilled when I read my physical Bible.
I associate my phone with tasks and follow-ups. I feel it’s too noisy at times.
I would like to protect my quiet time during Bible reading. In order to do that, I prefer using my physical Bible. I also like it because it has explanations and I can highlight things.
I like listening to the audio version in the background when I am doing housework. But for an in-depth and slow reading, I always opt for the physical Bible.
6. Prepare Your Blueprint for Success
In my previous post, I have shared the One Year Bible Reading Plan that I follow. That is a plan based on chronological order, so you can see the relationship of many books in the Bible.
Choose a plan that you can follow. There are many free plans online right now or your Bible probably has one too.
The key thing is to choose a plan so that you have a roadmap to follow and not to waste time thinking what to read next. Once you choose a plan, print it and put it in your Bible for easy access.
7. Keep Tracking Like It’s Your Job
Create a system where you can track your reading habit. I highlight what I read on my plan and also mark it on my calendar.
Once you see unbroken chains of reading, it will give you a sense of satisfaction. If you get behind, you can always pick where you left off and try to catch up again.
Do not beat off yourself too much for missing a day or two. Give yourself some grace and catch up when you have a lighter schedule.
8. Chocolate or Book, Go Choose
The wisdom you get from the Bible is the reward itself. But sometimes our brain craves for external reward to help us be more motivated.
Establish a goal for your daily Bible reading habit and identify a possible reward once you meet the goal.
I am an avid reader and sometimes I feel a sense of guilt when I’m reading a book without reading the Bible that day. Now what I do is to protect my Bible reading time and reward myself by reading a book of choice if I want to.
You don’t have to reward yourself every time, but by acknowledging your small wins, you are feeling a little empowered each time.
It May Not Be Easy, But It’s Totally Worth It
Remember that you might face some resistance in the beginning just like with any habit. So my challenge to you is to try reading without breaking the chain for a month and see how it will help you build the habit.
You don’t have to make a grand goal. If you decide to do one chapter a day or finish one book in a month, it is for you to decide.
Once you commit to it, you’ll feel the active power of the Holy Spirit working through the Word.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Hi! I’m Kaye, a journal enthusiast. My blog is dedicated to sharing practical tips to help you gain clarity and purpose as you get closer to Jesus. Read along!
[…] you look at my previous posts, I always begin my quiet time and Bible reading with a Prayer. This is important because we would like to ask God for wisdom to help us understand […]