How Can I Make Reading the Bible a Habit?
5 Helpful Tips
Did you know it only takes 21 days of consistent practice to create a healthy new habit? Well, we're going to see if we can start a habit of reading our Bibles every day. Are you with us!? Here are some tips you can use to help you on your way...
1. Pick a Time
Usually, if there's something important going on in your life you write it down on the calendar, right? If getting more quality time in with your Bible is a top priority you're going to want to carve out 15 minutes in your day to dedicate to reading your Bible. You can schedule a regular time that fits into your day - maybe in the morning before things start to get hectic (this is a great positive way to start your day) or maybe when you get home from work or after dinner. It doesn't even have to be at the same time every day as long as you can get that 15 minutes in somewhere, you'll be making progress each and every day.
2. Choose a Place
The best place to curl up with any good book is usually somewhere quiet so you can concentrate on the message that's being delivered in your reading. Bonus points if you can curl up and get comfy in your favorite chair with some good reading light and a cup of tea! The more you're comfortable, the more you're going to enjoy your new daily routine. If you can't find the absolute perfect spot, don't give up! Anywhere you can minimize distraction is going to be ideal.
3. What if you do get distracted?
Don't worry! Life is crazy sometimes and everyone gets distracted. Don't let it deter you from pushing forward. If something does disrupt your 15 minutes, put your Bible down, take care of business and come back to it when you can. This shouldn't be an activity that causes you any stress, it should bring lots of joy, so we aren't going to worry about the fact that our practice isn't perfect. If you can't get a full 15 minutes in that's ok! Just hop back on that horse and try again tomorrow.
4. Join a Bible study
Find a group of like-minded guys and gals and get your study on! It's a great way to get social and help you retain more of what you read. Don't have anyone locally to join up with? That's alright! There are a lot of online apps or Facebook groups that are more than happy to have you join in. Are you more of the solo-studier? There are some great Bible study guides out there if you take a look around the internet. No matter your study style, this can really help bolster the info you're reading each day. Having a group of friends is also a great way to keep you accountable and a perfect source of encouragement.
5. Keep coming back EVERY day!
Sundays aren't the only day we should be praising our Lord. By picking up your Bible each and every day you're showing Him your love and becoming a better person for it. Don't be discouraged if it takes you a time or two to get into the rhythm of reading a little bit every day, it'll catch on. Look at it this way, if you forgot to brush your teeth one day, would you just give up brushing your teeth forever? No, absolutely not! You'd just pick it up again the next day. The same goes for your Bible. If you can't fit it in one day or you forget, just come right back to it the very next time you have a moment.
We hope these tips help you on your way to establishing a great new habit. Now pick up your Bible and get reading!
Share Your Faith - Be the Light