Hello Darling,
Welcome back to the blog! As I sit here with my Bible resting gently on my lap, a cup of tea by my side, and the quiet of the afternoon surrounding me, I find myself reflecting on how I first began this journey. The Bible can sometimes feel like a daunting book to approach, but in reality, it’s a beautiful and inviting guide to life, full of wisdom, comfort, and love. If you’re just starting out or feel uncertain about how to read it, I hope this blog post brings some clarity and encouragement. Let’s take this one step at a time, together.
You might be wondering, “Why should I read the Bible?” The truth is, it’s not just an ancient book; it’s God’s Word to us, filled with wisdom and guidance for every part of our lives. The Bible has been such a comforting presence in my own life. When I started reading, I was seeking a deeper understanding of God and how I could better follow His will for my life. Over time, it became more than just a reading habit, it became a source of strength and peace.
Tips for Reading the Bible
If you’re feeling a little unsure about where to start or how to understand what you’re reading, you’re not alone. Here are some suggestions to help make your Bible reading more meaningful:
1. Approach with an Open Heart
Before I begin reading, I like to say a quiet prayer, asking God to open my heart and mind to what He wants to teach me. Even if it’s just a few simple words, I find that this small moment of prayer helps me approach the Bible with the right mindset.
2. Choose a Translation That Speaks to You
The language of the Bible can sometimes feel old-fashioned. That’s why I recommend starting with a translation that is easy to understand, like the New Living Translation (NLT) or Christian Standard Bible (CSB). Both are clear and accessible while remaining faithful to the original meaning.
3. Take It One Step at a Time
The Bible is a big book, and it can feel overwhelming at first. But don’t rush it. You don’t have to read a whole chapter at once. Starting with just a few verses or a small section each day is perfectly fine. It’s not about how much you read, but about truly absorbing and reflecting on what you do read.
4. Make It a Consistent Practice
I’ve found that when I read the Bible regularly, even for just 10 or 15 minutes a day, it becomes a part of my routine. It doesn’t have to be a huge time commitment, but setting aside a quiet moment each day helps create a habit that becomes natural.
How to Make Bible Reading a Habit
One of the biggest challenges when it comes to Bible reading is consistency. Life gets busy, and it’s easy to let our good intentions slip away. However, creating a habit doesn’t have to be difficult. Here are a few simple tips that have helped me make Bible reading a daily habit:
- Start Small: Don’t feel like you need to read for an hour. Start with 10 minutes a day, and gradually increase your time as you get more comfortable.
- Set a Specific Time: Whether it’s first thing in the morning or right before bed, set a time each day to sit down and read. The more consistent you are, the easier it will become. Also, you can listen to the audio version, I tend to do this in the gym.
- Create a Peaceful Environment: I find that reading the Bible is more meaningful when I can sit in a quiet, comfortable spot. Light a candle, make a cup of tea, or just find a peaceful corner to call your own.
- Hold Yourself Accountable: Sometimes, I share my Bible reading plans with a friend or loved one, and it really helps keep me accountable. Consider joining a Bible study group or using apps that send daily reminders to encourage your reading.
Bible Study Routine That Works for You
Creating a routine that works for you is key. Here’s what my own Bible study time looks like:
- Find a Quiet Spot: Whether it’s a cosy chair by the window or a peaceful corner, having a quiet place to sit makes all the difference.
- Set a Time: I find that reading in the morning or just before bed works best for me. Whatever time you choose, try to stick to it as part of your routine.
- Taking notes: I often write down thoughts or prayers as I read. Taking notes helps me reflect on what I’ve learned and keeps me engaged.
- Highlight: If something speaks to me, I highlight it. It’s nice to have verses I can look back on whenever I need encouragement.
How to Study the Bible
For those of you who want to take your Bible reading a little deeper, here’s a simple approach to studying it:
- Read: Begin by reading a small passage of Scripture. Take your time and read slowly, letting each word sink in.
- Observe: What is happening in the passage? Who is speaking, and what is the message?
- Interpret: What does this passage mean? If you’re unsure, feel free to look up a commentary or ask someone more experienced for help.
- Apply: The most important part, how does this passage speak to you personally? How can you apply it to your life?
Bible Study Tools That Can Help
There are wonderful tools out there that can make Bible study feel less intimidating. Here are a few that I’ve personally found helpful:
- Bible Apps: The Holy Bible Bible app is free and has lots of reading plans to help guide you. You can even highlight verses and make notes, which I find really helpful when reflecting on what I’ve read.
- Here’s the corrected version:
- Filament: This is where I can scan pages of my Bible and listen to them. The app has other functions, but this is the main one. Also, to use this app, you have to purchase a specific Bible.
- Study Bibles: If you want a bit more context as you read, a Study Bible can be a great resource. It provides notes and explanations alongside the text to help you understand what’s being said.
- Devotionals: A devotional is a wonderful way to spend time reflecting on Scripture. It often connects the Bible passage with practical, everyday life, which can be encouraging and inspiring.
Best Books to Start With
If you’re unsure where to begin, here are a few books of the Bible I recommend starting with:
- John – This Gospel portrays the love and teachings of Jesus. It’s easy to read and will give you a deep understanding of who He is.
- Psalms – If you’re seeking comfort or a way to express your emotions, the book of Psalms is perfect. It’s full of heartfelt prayers and songs that speak to the human experience.
- Proverbs – For practical wisdom, Proverbs is a great place to start. It’s filled with short, insightful sayings that you can apply to your daily life.
- James – This short book is full of practical advice on living out your faith and dealing with life’s challenges.
As I end this blog post, I want to remind you that the Bible is not something to be rushed through or feared. It’s a lifelong journey of discovering more about God and growing in your faith. Take your time with it, and don’t worry if you don’t understand everything at once. God will meet you where you are and reveal what you need to know at the right time.
Thank you for letting me share this with you. I pray that your journey with the Bible is filled with peace, joy, and a deeper connection to God. May it guide and strengthen you as it has for me.
Sending blessings your way!
Scherise. X
