Practical strategies to read the Bible every day without giving up along the way.
February 25, 2026 5 min read
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Reading the Bible consistently is one of the most transformative habits a Christian can build — and one of the most difficult to maintain. Many people start the year with the goal of reading through the whole Bible, make it to Leviticus, and quietly abandon the plan. But with the right strategies, consistent Bible reading is genuinely achievable.
Why Bible Reading Matters So Much
The Bible is not just a religious book — it is God's primary means of communicating with us. When we read it, we encounter God's character, His promises, His commands, and His story of redemption.
"All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work." — 2 Timothy 3:16-17
Regular Bible reading does not just give us information — it transforms us from the inside out.
Why People Stop Reading
Understanding the barriers helps us address them:
1. The Bible feels overwhelming — 66 books, various literary genres, historical contexts 2. It feels like a duty — "I should read it" rather than "I want to read it" 3. They do not understand what they are reading — and without understanding, it is hard to stay motivated 4. Life gets busy — and Bible reading is the first thing dropped 5. All-or-nothing thinking — missing a day means starting over or giving up entirely
Practical Strategies for Consistent Reading
1. Choose a Translation You Can Actually Read
Reading difficulty is a significant barrier. If the language of your Bible feels like a foreign language, switch to a more accessible translation. The goal is to understand and be transformed — not to read the most literary version.
Some accessible English translations: NIV, NLT, ESV, CSB. Choose one that feels natural to you.
2. Use a Reading Plan That Matches Your Goal
Different plans serve different purposes: - Whole Bible in a year: typically 3-4 chapters per day — ambitious but achievable - New Testament in 3 months: good starting point for new or returning readers - Single-book study: go deep into one book over several weeks - Topical reading: follow a theme (faith, prayer, redemption) across multiple books
Apps like YouVersion offer hundreds of free plans with daily reminders.
3. Read at Your Best Time
Read when your mind is most alert — for many that is morning, before the day's demands crowd in. For night owls, evening reading works well. The key is consistency, not timing.
4. Start with the Gospels
If you are new to Bible reading or returning after a long absence, start with the Gospels — Matthew, Mark, Luke, or John. Meeting Jesus through these accounts provides a foundation for understanding the rest of Scripture.
5. Read for Encounter, Not Completion
The goal is not to get through chapters — it is to meet God. Sometimes a single verse will stop you and invite extended reflection. That is not falling behind; that is the purpose of Bible reading.
Ask yourself as you read: - What does this reveal about who God is? - What does this teach me about myself? - Is there a command to obey, a promise to claim, a sin to avoid, or an example to follow?
6. Write Down What Stands Out
Keeping a journal of what speaks to you during your reading reinforces learning and creates a record of how God has spoken to you over time. It does not have to be long — a sentence or two per day is enough.
7. Read with Others
Accountability is powerful. Consider reading the same plan as a friend or family member and discussing what you are learning. A small group Bible study adds depth, accountability, and community.
8. Be Flexible About the Format
Reading is not the only way to engage with Scripture. Audiobooks of the Bible, apps that read aloud, and dramatized audio Bibles are excellent alternatives for commuters, people with visual impairments, or those who absorb information better by hearing.
9. Do Not Start Over Every Time You Miss a Day
This is crucial. Missing a day does not mean starting the plan over. Pick up where you left off. If you are following a chronological plan and fall significantly behind, skip ahead to the current day. Progress matters more than perfection.
What to Do When the Bible Feels Dry
Every consistent reader eventually hits seasons where reading feels like a chore. A few helps:
- Pray before reading: ask God to open your eyes to see what He has for you in this passage - Try a different genre: if you have been in genealogies or law, jump to a Psalm or a Gospel - Read a commentary or study Bible: context can dramatically open up meaning - Change your location: sometimes reading in a different place — a park, a café — shifts the dynamic
Conclusion
Consistent Bible reading is not about discipline alone — it is about desire nurtured over time. The more you read, the more you find in it. The more you find, the more you want to return. Start where you are, with what you have, and trust that the God who speaks through His Word will meet you in the reading.
