How to Cultivate the Habit of Bible Reading

Our lives are filled with habits. Some are good; some are bad.

I googled the word “habit” and here’s how three dictionaries define it:

“A settled tendency or usual manner of behavior.” (Merriam-webster.com)
“Something that you do often and regularly.” (Dictionary.Cambridge.org)
“A usual way of behaving: something that a person does often in a regular and repeated way.” (Britannica.com)

Do you consider yourself a person who reads and studies the Bible habitually?

Is spending time in the presence of Jesus in sweet fellowship, listening to Him speak through His Word, your usual manner of behavior — something you do often, regularly, and repeatedly because of your love for Him and your desire to know and obey Him?

Cultivating a godly habit takes time and the power of the Holy Spirit.

And sometimes it can be as simple as following a written plan of action. This is why many Christians find a Bible reading plan helpful.

Of course, a Bible reading plan is not the sanctifying “magic pill” that will cure all that ails us spiritually. But it can be a useful tool.

I like these comments from Ivan Mesa of The Gospel Coalition:

“There is more to the Christian life than Bible reading but not less. Done well and consistently—even (or especially) when we don’t feel like doing it—the decision to regularly make time to commune with the Lord through his Word can powerfully shape our affections, convict us of sin, spur us toward evangelism, draw us closer to other believers, and more. In short, Bible reading can be a keystone habit in your life.”

Don’t let today’s date prevent you from starting the new habit of consistent Bible reading. It doesn’t matter whether it’s January 1 or January 7. Any day is a good day to make a new commitment to regular time in the Word.

When it comes to finding a good Bible reading plan, resources are abundantly available.

I’ve been using a New Testament 5-day-a-week plan from the Navigators for several years. You can download it free here:
https://connect.navigators.org/5x5x5

And here’s a 5-day-a-week plan that takes you through the entire Bible in a year.
https://www.fivedaybiblereading.com/

For an excellent article by Melissa Kruger on the benefits of these 5-day plans, visit:
https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/blogs/melissa-kruger/my-favorite-bible-in-a-year-reading-plan-2/

How do you read the Word? I’d love to hear about it, so please leave a comment below and share how you go about spending time in the Word.

Have a God-saturated day!