How To Develop An Awesome Bible Reading Habit!

I sat down the other morning with a cup of strong black coffee, my Bible, note pad, pens, and highlighters out of pure habit. God and I have been meeting every morning, just like this, for over 3 years now. Me in ripped jeans, an oversized sweater, hair in a messy bun, same old But Jesus First coffee cup, and study Bible. The pens, note books, and highlighters have changed… but not our routine. Maybe I missed a few days, but in total honesty, not many.

Some where along the way I developed this habit. It wasn’t even intentionally. I just look forward to this time and space I’ve created in my day. I look forward to studying His Word. I’m in love with it. The more my knowledge grows of Him and His ways, the more I do as a person. I’m a better wife. I’m a better mother. I’m a better person. I see life in a new light, so much darkness has passed away from my past. Through His Word- I’ve become so much more than I ever thought possible.

You may read my words and think to yourself “Good for you girl, I’m happy for you”. Maybe you mean it. Maybe it’s a bit sarcastic. Maybe you even rolled your eyes, because you’re a bit frustrated right now. You have seriously tried to develop a similar Bible reading habit, but it never seems to stick.

I know, you’ve all the right excuses.

You don’t have time, because your schedule’s insane.

The kids are crazy every minute of the day.

You try, but something always comes up.

You’re too tired. You’re too stressed. You’re too overwhelmed.

I get it! I’ve used those excuses too.

Or maybe, you know the importance and you love your alone time with God, but you don’t know how to make it a daily habit?

I can help you!

Try these steps!

How To Develop An Awesome Bible Reading Habit!

#1 Be Serious:

The most important relationship you’ll ever have in your life is the one with Jesus. So treat it that way. Be intentional.

Start with your statement of intention:

I will READ MY BIBLE  at {TIME} in {LOCATION}.

Mine looks like this: I will read my Bible at 5:20 am in the sitting room. 

Your statement of intention is important, because it gives you a set goal to move towards and achieve. You’ve set the appointment, you know the location, now all you have to do is show up. Don’t cancel on yourself. You need this time with God. You are worth investing in. The Word of God is so important and you need it in your life.

Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.

Psalm 119:105

For the word of God is alive and powerful. It is sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword, cutting between soul and spirit, between joint and marrow. It exposes our innermost thoughts and desires.

Hebrews 4:12

#2 Make It Convenient:

You can’t plan to sit down and read your Bible in the middle of chaos, when you’re dead tired, or distracted by your environment. To develop a Bible reading habit that last, it must be relatively easy and very convenient for you to sit down and spend time with God. This looks different for everyone. You may have to play with it a bit to figure out the most convenient time for you.

At 5:20 in the morning the Pankop house is quiet. Everyone’s in bed. It’s just me, my Bible, and Jesus. No distractions. It’s the most convenient time for me. I’ve tried other times, but they never worked out long term.

#3 Make It Easy:

Set yourself up for success. Have all the materials you want ready and in the location you set for yourself and Jesus to meet.

My favorite Bible, pens, highlighters, and note book are setting on top of an end table in our sitting room. They are waiting for me every morning. I’m not wasting time searching for anything. It’s super easy! You may want to include other items as well, such as a Bible reading plan, book of devotionals, index cards, or sticky notes.

Every action requires a certain amount of energy. The more energy required, the less likely it is to occur. And the less energy a habit requires, the more likely it is to occur” -James Clear, Atomic Habits

#4 Eliminate Distractions:

If you know you’re easily distracted, especially during your reading time, then be very intentional about creating an environment without distractions. Our stitting room consists of bookshelves, a sofa, and end tables. No TV. I leave my phone in the kitchen. I’m serious. Because if I don’t, I’ll be checking Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest, the weather, and whatever else I can find, BEFORE I open my Bible. I know myself. So I take the distractions away and I set boundaries. Obviously my family is a distraction- I get up early to avoid them altogether.

#5 Make It Enjoyable:

My coffee pot is set to brew its first 12 cups of the day at 5:10am, and my But Jesus First coffee cup is by the coffee maker waiting for me. I love coffee. I will get out of bed for coffee. That first cup in the morning is just a bit of heaven on earth. Sipping on a fresh cup makes Bible reading more enjoyable for me.

Find something that makes this experience enjoyable for you. Just a little dash of extra that makes it fun.

Maybe it’s a special coffee creamer you can only use during this time, or a piece of special dark chocolate. A pretty note book, or a special journal. Use your imagination and make this time and space special to you. I’ve gone as far as purchasing a super soft blanket, throw pillows, and a special candle for the space I study in.

My Bible reading habit is convenient, easy, and enjoyable – therefore it works.

You’ll be able to stick with your Bible reading habit too, if it’s convenient, easy, and enjoyable for YOU. Remember this is about you and Jesus and the Word of God saturating your life. My friend, truly I hope you understand the power these moments you dedicate to reading and studying God’s Word can have on your life. They are priceless.

Bonus Tips:

• It takes approximately 21 days to make a habit. Aim for consistency, not perfection.
• Missed 3 days in a row. Don’t worry about it. Just hit restart! Perfect is not the goal, giving it your best effort is. Every day you check this box off, you’re changing yourself and your life. So many people will go through their entire lives and miss the purpose God has waiting for them within His Word. But friend, that won’t be your story.
• Start simple. It’s not supposed to feel like a chore. Maybe your statement of intention looks like this: I will read my Bible during my baby’s nap time, for 5 minutes, in the dinning room. OR I will read one verse of the Bible on my You Version Bible app, during my lunch break, in the break-room. OR I will read one chapter of my Bible on Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday, while Emily has soccer practice, on a blanket in the grass.
• It’s about quality over quantity. It’s always better to do less than you hoped for than nothing at all.

Start applying these steps and tips for developing an awesome Bible reading habit to your life now, and before you know it you’ll have an amazing habit of your own! Good luck sweet friend!

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