The one commitment that we sometimes neglect is making time to read the Bible. This commitment is one that we should be doing everyday and more than once a day if possible.
I think that it is a generally known fact that our daily to-do list requires a little bit more than a 24 hour day. This causes us to be overwhelmed with everything that this world requires of us that we sometimes forget the important things in our lives.
Our faith.
I personally believe that if we do not focus on our faith, it will be difficult to other things that are both required and expected of us.
I know that it seems impossible to squeeze in an extra commitment into our daily routine but I promise that this one is super important and even more rewarding. So, without any further adieu: here is a detailed post on how to make time to read the Bible.
Know the benefits
Get to know our saviour Jesus Christ more
The Bible says in John 1:1: ” In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.“ Just by reading this verse it is quite evident that the Bible is not just any other book but rather a holy and sacred book. The Bible teaches us about God and His character. The more time we spend in His Word the more we learn more about Him as our Father, Saviour and Friend.
Grow our relationship with the Lord
Since reading the Bible means learning more about God; it also gives us a wonderful opportunity to grow our relationship with Him. The same way we grow relationships with our friends and family, by getting to know them, it is the same way we grow our relationship with God. The Bible allows to be more personal with our Father as we learn about His character.
Daily rejuvenation
Making time to read the Bible is one of the most important things that you could ever add to your “self-care” routine. Currently there are a lot of “self-care” tips floating around but, in my opinion, the biggest favour that we could ever do for ourselves is to make time to read the Bible.
After reading the Bible, I always feel rejuvenated, encouraged, and motivated. The Bible allows me to put myself in check because it reminds not to listen to negativity but rather focus on my identity in Christ because 2 Timothy 1:7 says that “For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind”. I honestly feel like I can conquer anything since I am well equipped with the Word of God!
Answers to prayers
The other benefit is that the Bible is filled with so many answers to our prayers. I can not even begin to count the amount of times I prayed about something and I found an answer to my prayer within the scriptures.
This is also a reminder that the Lord chooses in which way He communicates with us. This means that the more that we immerse ourselves in the Word of God, the more likely it is for us to find answers to our prayers.
Prioritize
Life is all about choices. I know that sometimes it is overwhelming because we have so many roles and responsibilities. But one thing that I have learnt is that not everything has an equal weighting of importance.
For example, study takes precedence over party. The same way we made this decision, it’s the same we prioritize making time to read the Bible. Once we begin prioritizing the time we spend with the Lord; the easier it will be to commit to this time.
Prioritization even extends to the fact that if anything clashes with our Bible reading time, we must reschedule the clashing commitment to avoid double booking our chosen time slot.
Ask the Lord for help
Whether we like to believe it or not, we will not be able to do anything or commit to anything without seeking help from the Lord – especially if it is something that you struggle with.
Asking Him for strength as you embark on this journey with Him is an important first step. Remember that God’s Word is true. In Matthew 7:7, the Bible tell us to “Ask and it shall be given until you; seek, and ye shall find; knock and shall be opened unto you.”
So if you truly with making time to read the Bible, I highly suggest is that you set aside some time to pray for strength for the wonderful journey that you are about to embark on.
Find your optimal time
This step is super important! Reading the Bible should not be an after thought or just another task that you tick of your to-do list. What I mean by this is that, it should be something that “squeeze ” into your schedule but rather your schedule should squeeze around it. This not a last minute task.
The time that you decide on should be the time that you feel the most awake and alert. This ensures that you do not get derailed by sleep and other distractions. For this reason I suggest that if you are a morning person: make reading the Bible the first thing you do after waking up. If you are and evening person: read the Bible before going to bed
Commit to it
Once you have made time to read the Bible, the time that you have chosen to dedicate to this journey make sure that you stick to it as much as possible. Do not comprise this sacred and precious time that could be spent growing your faith and spending more time with the Lord.
More tips
- Set a reminder on your phone
I know that some people need extra reminders and setting one up on your phone is a perfect way the remember your Bible reading time. - Time block in your diary or planner
For the people who prefer to organize and schedule their day, blocking out this specific time will ensure that you do not make clashing commitments. - Read the Bible with family or friends
Reading the Bible with loved makes for a wonderful family time or bonding experience with friends. Just remember to still read the Bible by yourself. - Use the Sabbath day for Bible study
Using this special day makes sure that you have no work to distract you which means that you can fully become emersed in God’s Word. - Download a bible reading tracker
Consider using a Bible reading tracker which allows you to tick off all the chapters and books of the Bible that you have read. I personally use a Bible tracker which motivates to continue reading the Bible. - Maximise your spare time
We have quite a few idle moments int he day but you can maximise this time by reading the Bible on your phone. I personally use the Bible offline app. - Consider starting a Bible journal
Bible journaling is a wonderful way to engage with the scriptures that you are reading. If you want to learn more about Bible journaling and how to start one you can read this guide here. - Subscribe to an email list that sends daily devotionals
I am personally subscribed to the Alive to God email list. - Find an audio Bible
This helps you to still hear God’s Word even though you might be unable to physically read the Bible
