Where to Start Reading and Studying Your Bible

Looking for some tips and encouragement on Where to Start Your Reading Your Bible and advice on how to study?   Start Here!  Today I’m sharing how I learned to study the Bible along with some suggestions on where to start reading your Bible.  Regardless if its been some time since you last picked up your Bible or this is your first time ever reading it, there’s no better day than today to get started!

My Personal Experience with Reading the Bible:

Since I rededicated my heart to God over ten years ago, I have been reading and studying the Bible regularly. The promises and instructions I’ve found in God’s Word have changed my attitude, my thoughts, my desires, and my heart. The Bible has been the key to helping me live a life of freedom and purpose. 

How Will Reading and Studying the Bible Help You?

The Bible is no ordinary book. The words within its pages have the power to change your life and help you fight–and win!–the spiritual battles you face every day.  

I love the reminder found in Psalm 119:105 (NLT): “Your word is a lamp to guide my feet and a light for my path.”

Another translation says it like this: “Truth’s shining light guides me in my choices and decisions; the revelation of your word makes my pathway clear” (Psalm 119:105, TPT).

The Bible will always be a faithful guide when you need direction and wisdom. Reading and studying the Word can only lead you into the way of righteousness!

How Do You Read and Study the Bible? 

If you’re struggling to dig into the Word, here are a few steps to help you get started:

– Set a Bible Study Schedule. I usually schedule my time with God and His Word in the mornings, but that’s not the right choice for everyone. Just find a time that regularly works in your schedule, and stick to it! Show up exactly as you would for any other appointment, and God will reward your faithfulness. 

– Prepare Your Space. Find a place you enjoy, whether it’s a comfy chair or a corner of the house where you can be alone. Make sure the room is quiet and free from distractions so you can focus. Tip: I like to drink coffee while I study! Maybe you’ll need a cup of tea or coffee to get you started.     

– Prepare Your Materials. You’ll want your Bible, of course! It’s also helpful to get a good concordance or download one to your phone for reference. I will often use a Bible reading plan or a devotion while I’m reading, and I like to have a notebook or journal to take notes as well. Finally, you may want highlighters or sticky notes to mark specific scriptures or chapters to remember.  

– Prepare Your Heart. Talk to God about your struggles, confess your sins to Him, and ask the Holy Spirit to “teach you everything” (John 14:26, NLT). Make sure your mind is at peace, free from worry or anger or anything that may block the Spirit’s revelation during your study. Focus on listening to God’s voice.  

What Should I Study In the Bible?

When I first started studying the Word, I didn’t really know how to study or what to read. Over time, though, I found Bible reading plans that gave my study structure and organization.  I started using a concordance and did word studies on issues relevant to my life, such as anger, fear, love, and joy.  

When it comes to the Word, there’s no wrong place to start. Anything you will help you–even if it’s just reading and memorizing one scripture a day! 

Here are a few of my favorite places to start reading in the Bible: 

– The Gospels: Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John tell the story of Jesus’ life on earth, His ministry, and His death and resurrection. Most versions of the Bible show the words of Jesus in red throughout the Gospels so you can take special care to study them. Reading about Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection is always a good reminder of the salvation story and how much God loves us!  

– Psalms: This is my go-to book when I need encouragement. One of my favorite chapters is Psalm 23!

– Proverbs: This book is full of wisdom! It has exactly 31 chapters, so if you read one each day, it will last you approximately a month.

– Ruth and Esther: These are two of my favorite fearless females! These two books will inspire you and build up your faith to walk through any situation. Their heroines will remind you that you have a Heavenly Father Who knows you, loves you, and has a special plan for you as His daughter.

– Reading Plans: If you have the Bible App on your phone or iPad, you will have access to hundreds of reading plans. I highly suggest that you sign up for one and start following it. One of my favorites is the Life Journal Reading Plan, which takes you through the Bible in one year.

Lastly, the Bible translation that you read matters! I have several translations to read and reference in my study. I love the Amplified and NKJV version for regular studying, but I also like the New Living Translation. One of my favorite easy-to-understand versions is The Passion Translation because it reads like a beautiful story through the New Testament, Psalms, and Song of Songs. 

I hope that you will make studying and reading the Bible a top priority in your life. There is power in it to change your life and help you become the person God wants you to be. As I’ve discovered, finding your purpose in God’s plan is the greatest thing you can do!