Engaging with the Bible as a Daily Habit: The Beginner’s Guide

The choices were overwhelming. The Duct Tape Bible, the Oilfield Workers Bible, the Sportsman’s Bible (camo cover), the Busy Mom’s Bible and many, many more. My friend had gone to Mardel to choose his first Bible, he didn’t realize there would be so many options.

Later, he basically said to me: I have no idea where to start reading the Bible.

My friend is not alone, Many people feel overwhelmed when it comes to reading the Bible. That might be you too. You’re thinking: The Bible is too big and I don’t know where to start.

My friend was relieved when I asked if he wanted some help in choosing a Bible. Then we talked about how to start engaging with the Bible as a daily habit.

It is my prayer that this beginner’s guide to engaging with the Bible as a daily habit will help you and encourage you toward this life-changing habit! Here are my top suggestions:

1. You don’t have to start at the beginning of the Bible.

The Bible is basically 66 separate books compiled into one book with two major sections: The Old Testament and the New Testament. That’s a lot of choices!

Where do you start? The best place to start is with the Gospel of Mark, or the Gospel of John, or Proverbs. Mark and John give accounts of the life of Jesus, Mark is more the Cliff Notes version of Jesus’ life, and John contains selected events from the life of Jesus, The book of Proverbs is a collection of wisdom for daily life. Make a choice and start!

2. Choose a book of the Bible and read your way through it.

Pick one book of the Bible and read a little each day. Start small. The goal is not to “get through it”. The goal is to hear from God.

3. What does it mean to “engage” with the Bible daily?

Before you read whatever you read, pray: God, I need to hear from You today. Would You give me some direction for my life?

Engaging with the Bible means a desire to hear from God today and each day. It is asking God to give direction for Life.

Jeremiah 29:13 says; “You will seek Me and find Me, if you seek Me with all your heart.’’ God loves to reveal Himself to those who seek Him.

4. How to make engaging with the Bible a daily habit: It’s all about time, place and people.

Choosing a specific time and place makes all the difference in making Bible reading a habit. That location and that specific time becomes part of your life. This one small change done repeatedly, can truly transform our lives.

Then, tell someone your plan. When you choose to make daily Bible reading a habit for 2021, tell somebody. Tell someone in your Group, some friends, or family members. Ask them to help you stay accountable, and to encourage you.

5. Choose a Bible version that is easy to read and understandable.

The bottom line: If we don’t understand it, we won't read it.

The Bible was originally written in Hebrew and Greek. One of the earliest translations to English was the King James Version (KJV) of the Bible. Today there are many varieties of versions to choose from. Some focus on readability and some focus on being best for Bible study.

If you are a beginner, I recommend the New Living Translation (NLT), or a study Bible in the New International Version (NIV) or in the English Standard Version (ESV). A Study Bible contains answers to questions you might have as you read. Personally, I like to read in the New Living Translation and study out of the New International Version or New American Standard Bible (NASB).

The Bottom Line

Engaging daily with God’s Word is an Anchor Habit that will impact every other area of your life.

My friend at Mardel continues in his habit of daily reading the Bible to this day, His story is our story. We all need to have some help along the way and we all begin somewhere in our relationship with God.

“Your word is a lamp to guide my feet and a light for my path.” Psalm 119:105