The first important thing you may want to consider is: Why do you want to read the Bible? One of the main reasons why I read the Bible is because I want to learn about God and to get to know Him. The only way for me to understand His character is to spend time reading His Word and learning about what the Scripture says about Him. I don’t read the Bible because I think the more I read it may make me a better Christian or because I have to check off an invisible tick box to signify an accomplishment that I have read the Bible. I want to read the Bible because I want to live the way God wants me to live.

“‘You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. A second is equally important: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ The entire law and all the demands of the prophets are based on these two commandments.”

Matthew 22: 37-40

Before you open you Bible I encourage you to pray to God and have a conversation with Him. You don’t have to be formal, just speak from the heart. Ask Him to show you why you should read Scripture. Ask for guidance and wisdom.

Another important thing is the How. Like developing any relationship with a friend or significant other, developing a relationship with God takes time. I have learned to go slow when reading the Bible. I used to try and follow many Bible reading plans “in one year” and would get discouraged if I fell behind. Bible reading plans are great, please don’t get me wrong, they’re just not for me. I felt rushed and I didn’t feel that I had enough time to truly reflect and listen to what God was trying to teach me.

I would recommend starting off with reading one of the Gospels in the New Testament. I chose to start off with Luke and perhaps you may want to do the same. The Gospels were written by Jesus’ disciples (Matthew, Mark, Luke and John) and tell the story of Jesus’ life and His teachings. As you go through Luke, highlight verses that speak out to you and/or write them down in a journal. Or, if you’re experienced I’d be happy to hear what works for you. I pray that you could teach me and others on how to dwell in God’s Word.

Here are 3 things that I ask myself when I read a passage/verse/chapter:

1. What is happening in the story?
2. How does this apply to my life and the way I should live? In other words, what is God trying to teach me?
3. What does this say about God and His character?

Lastly, read the Bible during a time that will work for you. Some are able to read the Bible first thing in the morning, others throughout the day, some for five minutes and some for an hour or more. We all have different lives and schedules. Perhaps you’re a shift worker, or a busy parent–or both! I spend time with the Lord after my children go to bed and the house is still. There is no set time when to read the Bible or no set rule of how long to read the Bible. Please also don’t be discouraged if you miss a day. Again, developing a relationship with Him takes time. God knows your heart, He knows you’re trying. We are not perfect, only God is.

I pray that you found this helpful. I hope you can also share what works for you. Do you have any tips? What’s your journey on reading the Bible? What are your favourite verses/stories do you refer to?

If you’re interested in my recommendations on Study Bibles, Bibles, journals etc. please feel free to click here.

“Be still and know that I am God!”

Psalm 46:10