How to Start Reading the Bible
One of the best ways to grow closer to the Lord is by reading the Bible. Although that is great advice, how are we supposed to start reading the Bible? With sixty-six books, hundreds of pages, and thousands of verses, this task can feel incredibly daunting. But we don’t have to feel paralyzed or intimidated by Scripture. Here are a few tips that will help you start reading the Bible!
Find a reading plan
Ultimately, what’s most important is simply opening the Word. A reading plan or a Bible study is not required by any means, but they can be useful tools to help you create a habit of reading the Bible every day! A Bible study provides a great reading plan to follow. If you’re looking for a Bible study to dive in with, check out our Worthy Bible Study on learning your identity in Christ!
Using The Bible Handbook will also be helpful when following a reading plan. This handbook provides in-depth context for each book of the Bible. Learning the context of the passage you are reading helps you to comprehend the Scripture and avoid misinterpretation.
Find someone to read the Bible with
Reading the Bible on your own is beautiful and beneficial, but finding a group or an accountability partner is also incredibly helpful in keeping up a consistent routine. Walking through a Bible study or a book of the Bible alongside others can help you make it a daily habit. Not only that, but studying with others gives you the opportunity to learn from them (and for them to learn from you)!
Keep Going
It can feel really discouraging to read the Bible when you miss a day. It is easy to give up when you miss a day of a reading plan or show up to your Bible study unprepared. Although the goal is to be consistent in Bible reading, it is far more important to keep going when you do fail rather than throw in the towel. If you miss a few days of Bible study, pick up your Bible anyway! The Lord gives us so much grace and mercy—including when we miss our reading.
Reading the Bible is one of the most beautiful parts of our relationship with the Lord, because He has given us this story Himself. Although it can feel daunting, picking a good reading plan, finding people to read with, and persevering in your Bible study are all great ways to help you start reading your Bible!
