My plan is to read through the Bible this year—every word. I always start the year strong, but over time my resolve fades. How to keep going day after day?

When taking on such a big book I want to form a habit. I usually read at the same time (morning) in the same place (living room) with the same items around me (coffee and journal). As I continue day after day, I look forward to these early moments in my schedule.

Even then, some days I think, maybe I’ll just skip it. If that’s the way you’re feeling, you’re not alone. Along with developing the practices to create a good habit, it helps me to stay aware of several habit-busters that derail my efforts.

Here’s a few I beat back regularly:

1. I’m too busy

I stay engaged most of the day. However, I have free time with my morning coffee, a window during my commute, a break at lunch, and a bit of peace before my eyes close at night. I’m rarely too busy to read a section of Scripture.

2. The Bible is boring

The book of Numbers—boring. But to stay bored I must avoid the story of the woman who killed a man with a tent peg, or the king who died with maggots dripping from his bowels. I should also stay away from the life of Moses and Jesus, and most all of the rest of the Bible.

3. The Bible is not relevant to my life

The words of Scripture hold the potential to change everything about me—why I live my life, where I spend my money, who I run with, the way I think about my future—my very reason for being. I left this excuse behind long ago, but still it pops to mind occasionally.

4. I prefer the New Testament God to the Old Testament one

I pick and choose the parts of the Bible I favor. Focusing on certain sections of the Bible, while ignoring less palatable ones, emerges from my right to live life as I please—just like the buffet line where I slide past the vegetables and pile on the desserts. I’m tempted to avoid uncomfortable biblical texts and create a god in an image I prefer.

5. Social media

I hate missing a picture of myself. Or I catch up on news and sports. Or I swipe in boredom. On average, people spend 2 1/2 hours per day on social media. Social media stands as the greatest disseminator of ignorance in human history. I remind myself of this often.

6. I’ll listen to a podcast instead

So many good sermons and storytellers. But even the best, most godly people fail to speak words as powerfully as the Holy Spirit (unless they quote the Holy Scripture). Substituting podcasts for scripture is a weaker substitute for personal time in the text. I enjoy podcasts, but only after reading the Word for myself.

7. I get tired of reading

I’ve also discovered I like to listen to the Bible. Teachers taught the scriptures orally for years and years. Hearing passages spoken out loud creates new ways to unearth the wonders of the text. Lots of good recordings of the Bible exist, and I can listen in the car or on walks, or most anywhere.

8. I’m lazy

Now I’m at the root of the issue. It’s easier to watch TV and let my mind slowly corrode than engage with the Scriptures.

In Summary

As you can see, I’ve developed a pretty good list of personal habit-busters. You may add some of your own. Even though I read through the Bible annually, I still have to fight through the inertia of getting started some days.

The Word of God is living and active. My heart and soul, as well as the people around me, are better off as I develop—and stick with—the habit of giving part of my day to the Scriptures.

Reading the Bible in 2023

Photo by madeleine ragsdale