How to Start Reading Scripture Daily

Life comes at us fast these days, doesn’t it? If you’re anything like us, you’re balancing everything from school pick up and extracurriculars, Bible study and book club, family nights and date nights, cooking, cleaning, exercising, and everything in between. No wonder it feels like there’s never enough time in the day to sit down and open your Bible!

Making the time amidst the chaos to have a true quiet time with God often feels like the last thing you should be doing at any given time (there’s laundry to be done and bills to be paid and I need to make it to the gym at least once this week!), but, of course, we know that it is really the most important thing to prioritize day in and day out. Life will always be busy, and establishing the daily practice of spending time with God is the lifeline that will buoy you and bring you closer to peace and closer to Him no matter what.

So how do you even begin to make reading your Bible daily a habit that brings peace and joy in the midst of the overwhelm? Let’s look at some strategies to begin cultivating this important habit today.

Start Small, Dream Big: Begin with realistic expectations. If this is not already a practice that you embrace daily, it’s probably unrealistic to expect that you will magically find a peaceful pocket of time that you’re able to read the Word on your own in perfect silence. Rather than aiming for a perfect quiet time, just aim for time. You only find five minutes in between school drop-off and a doctor’s appointment? Use it! You have two kiddos climbing into your lap and vying for your attention after a few minutes? Use the time to read the Word aloud to them, and show them the imperfect practice of spending time with the Lord. Your quiet time will never be perfect, it just needs to be.

Create a Sacred Space: Designate a special place where you can retreat and immerse yourself in Scripture. Remember, this space is more about the posture of your heart than your physical location, so whether it’s a cozy chair in the corner while your family’s morning unfolds or a space out in nature where you are all on your own, this space should serve as your sanctuary for encountering God’s presence through His Word.

Embrace the Power of Routine: Integrate this time for Bible reading into your daily schedule. If this is something you’ve never done before, the time won’t just appear without dedication from you to make it a priority! Whether it's first thing in the morning, during lunch breaks, or before bedtime, consistency is key. By weaving Scripture into the fabric of your day, it becomes as natural as breathing, guiding you through life’s challenges and celebrations.

Change it Up: Don’t be afraid to explore various methods of Bible study to keep your reading experience fresh and vibrant. If just opening your Bible and reading first thing in the morning isn’t working for you, then switch to something that will! Try listening to audio versions of the Bible during your commute, journaling your reflections, or incorporating artistic expressions like drawing or calligraphy. Engaging multiple senses enriches your understanding and fosters a deeper connection with God’s Word.

Embrace Community: Share your journey with fellow believers. Joining a Bible study group or participating in online communities provides accountability, support, and opportunities for mutual encouragement. Start a YouVersion Bible reading plan with a friend and discuss what you learned each day to hold each other accountable. Together, you can explore Scripture, share insights, and uplift one another on the path of faith.

Pray Without Ceasing: Cultivate a heart of prayer as you approach Scripture. Invite the Holy Spirit to illuminate the words on the page and speak directly to your heart. Surrender your expectations and allow God to guide your understanding, transforming words into life-changing truths.

Celebrate Milestones: Celebrate your progress and milestones along the way. Whether it's completing a book of the Bible, memorizing a verse, or experiencing a personal praise, take time to rejoice in God’s faithfulness and the growth He’s cultivating within you.

Extend Grace: Be gentle with yourself on this journey. There will be days when distractions abound, and reading feels like a chore. In those moments, extend grace to yourself, knowing that God’s love is not dependent on our performance. Return to His Word with a humble heart, seeking His presence anew each day.

Anchor in Purpose: Remind yourself of the purpose behind your daily habit. Reading the Bible is not merely a task to check off a list but a sacred encounter with the living God. It is through His Word that we find hope, healing, wisdom, and eternal life in Jesus Christ.

Savor the Journey: Finally, savor every moment spent in God’s Word. Treasure the richness of His promises, the depth of His love, and the beauty of His truth. Embrace the joy of knowing that, as you abide in Him, you are being transformed from glory to glory by the power of His Spirit.

Friends, let’s embrace the privilege and joy of making reading the Bible a daily habit. We don’t have to read the Bible – we get to! May it be our constant companion, guiding us through life’s twists and turns, and strengthening our relationship with Christ along the way. As we immerse ourselves in His Word daily, may our hearts overflow with gratitude, our spirits be full of confident hope, and our lives bear witness to the transformative power of God’s love. Amen.