Do you find reading the Bible to be intimidating? Have you ever sat down to read it, but weren’t sure where to start? Please don’t feel bad; it's hard to know where to start. However, it doesn’t have to be that way. You can read the Bible in a year, and here are some tips on how to get started.
Introduction to the Bible Reading Journey
The Bible is a heavily influential and widely read book. Its text can provide wisdom, guidance, and comfort. However, approaching the Bible can be a daunting task for most people due to its length, but don’t let that stop you. The Bible is divided into two main sections: the Old Testament and the New Testament. Each book teaches about different things.
● Old Testament-The Old Testament is sacred in Judaism and Christianity and contains historical accounts, wisdom, poetry, prophetic warnings, and literature. Therefore, it conveys the covenant between God and the people of Israel.
● New Testament-The New Testament focuses on the life and teachings of Jesus and the early Christian church. It contains the four Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John), the Acts of the Apostles, epistles (letters) from key figures, and the book of Revelation.
If you’re new to the Bible, it’s not a single narrative. It encompasses various literary forms, including history, poetry, and prophecy.
Choosing the Right Translation for You
Choosing the correct translation for you is also very important. There are various versions of the Bible in multiple translations. For example, I find the King James Version of the Bible complicated to read and understand. I adore my Chicken Soup for the Soul New Living Translation Bible due to its easy readability. But to each their own. Here is a breakdown of some of the different translations of the Bible.
Easy to Read Translations
New Living Translation (NLT)
The Message: The Bible in Contemporary Language (MSG)
New International Version (NLT)
Common English Bible (CEB)
Medium to Hard Translations
New King James Version (NKJV)
New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition (NRSVUE)
English Standard Version (ESV)
New American Bible Revised Edition (NABRE, Catholic)
Hard to Understand Translations
King James Version (KJV)
New American Standard Bible (NASB)
Amplified Bible (AMP)
A one-year Bible that will help you read the Bible in a year. Also known as a chronological Bible, this type of Bible allows you to read the highlights in chronological order as they occurred. Last year, I listened to a podcast called The Daily Bible Podcast, hosted by Tricia and Michelle. They go through the Bible chronologically, and I read along with them. It was a fun and informative experience.
Setting Realistic Goals for Daily Reading
It’s essential to set realistic goals for daily reading. Before you even open your Bible, think about how many days a week you want to read, how much time you have each day, whether you will have to get up earlier or stay up a little later, how many chapters you want to read a day, etc.
If you can only read for fifteen minutes and get through a chapter a day, that’s perfectly fine. This is not a sprint. You want to absorb and meditate on what you are reading, not just check it off your to-do list. This is your personal time with God, a chance to connect and talk with Him.
And yes, there will be days when you don’t get to it. Life happens, so don’t feel bad. Make sure you pick up where you left off and keep going.
For example, you could start with prayer, read for fifteen minutes, then read a section of a devotion, and then end with prayer.
Creating a Consistent Reading Schedule
When reading the Bible, consistency is key, and it doesn’t have to be consecutive days. If you only have time to read on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday morning, that’s okay. As long as you read two to three times a week for at least fifteen to thirty minutes, this is a good start.
However, there are several factors to consider before establishing a reading schedule.
● How many books do you read in a month? This will help you determine how long it may take to complete the Bible.
● What time of day is easiest for you to read? Some people have time in the morning, while others prefer to wait until they get home and unwind for the night.
● What genres or topics do you usually gravitate toward? There are all kinds of things going on in the Bible, from battles to grand love affairs (for those who love stories) to wisdom and guidance in life (for those who prefer instruction)
● What are the most significant barriers to your reading? This could be noisy street traffic if you live in the city, rambunctious kids if you have a family, or any other distraction.
Once you have answered these questions, you can better determine when the perfect time to read is for you.
Utilize Study Aids and Resources
Reading the Bible in a year doesn’t mean you have to go it alone. There are numerous resources available to help you. This includes;
● Study Bibles: A study bible features commentaries, footnotes, maps, and charts that shed light on difficult passages and provide background information.
● Commentaries: These are academic resources written by theologians and experts.
● Concordances and Lexicons: A concordance is an alphabetical index of Bible words regarding where they appear. Lexicons focus on the original languages of the Bible, Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek. Lexicons provide definitions, usage, and nuances of the words, which enhance understanding of the text's original intent.
● Online Resources and Apps-Some popular sites and apps for Bible study include BibleGateway, YouVersion, and Blue Letter Bible.
Incorporating Reflection and Prayer
Reflect on what you read after you finish reading your Bible for the day. Journal your thoughts and feelings, and then pray about anything that comes to mind.
Tips for Overcoming Common Challenges
Some common challenges when reading the Bible include;
● Difficulty understanding language and context
● Feeling overwhelmed by length and complexity
● Struggling with application to modern life
● Inconsistent reading habits
● Encountering difficult passages
● Lack of motivation or interest
Tips to Overcome These Challenges
Difficulty understanding language and context
● Choose a modern translation
● Study cultural background: Familiarize yourself with the historical and cultural contexts of the passages. Refer to the footnotes and the surrounding context.
● Use commentaries and study guides.
Feeling overwhelmed by length and complexity
● Set attainable goals
● Break it down: Read the Bible in manageable sections (ex, 1 chapter a day or three chapters a week)
● Use reading plans
Struggling with the application to modern life
● Reflect on your personal experience. Have you ever felt like the person you’re reading about? Have you ever been in a similar situation? This will help things be more relatable to you.
● Join a study group: Getting different perspectives from people will help with understanding
● Keep a journal: Write your thoughts, questions, and insights as you read. This can help bridge the gap between historical wisdom and modern life.
Inconsistent reading habits
● Establish a routine
● Create a comfortable environment
● Use technology to help you
Encountering difficult passages
● Pray for understanding.
● Explore different interpretations by looking at different theological perspectives.
● Accept uncertainty: Not every passage will be clear or relatable. Let your questions remain open.
Lack of motivation or interest
● Incorporate creative methods by using art, music, or writing to make your Bible reading more interesting.
● Engage with multimedia resources: Check out a podcast, documentary, or video that explores Biblical themes and stories to get a fresh perspective
● Connect with Community: Studying the Bible with others can inspire discussions, activities, enthusiasm, and accountability again.
Celebrating Milestones: Completing the Journey
As you read the Bible, create milestones and rewards for yourself. This will help you stay motivated to keep reading. Treat yourself to something small after you’ve read for two weeks. Or treat yourself to something every quarter for continuing to read and grow closer to the Lord. You could even read through the Bible with a friend this year and then plan your own celebration bash at the end of the year.
Reading the Bible is no easy feat, especially if it’s your first time, so don’t be afraid to celebrate the small wins and have a party when you complete your goal at the end of the year. This means you’ve grown closer to the Lord day by day, book by book, and verse by verse, which is a huge win.
Photo Credit: ©iStock/Getty Images Plus/Jantanee Rungpranomkorn
