10 Tips That Will Keep You Reading God's Word

In our spiritual walk, one of the most crucial aspects is our relationship with God. The very center of this relationship is partaking of His written Word.

Reading and studying God's Word daily is not only for ministers and a select few. It should be the very fabric of our lives. By doing so, we will be transformed as we allow the words to come alive in us. I have seen countless lives that were once in deep darkness to be radically changed.

In this blog post, I will encourage you to make reading and studying God's Word a priority in your daily routine and give you tips on how to do so.

Why Reading God's Word Can Be a Struggle

Before jumping into the tips, I can assure you that we, as humans, are not naturally inclined to read the Word of God. Our flesh wants to do other things. Also, the devil will do everything he can to keep us from doing so. He will speak lies to you and help you come up with every excuse in the world not to read. He knows what will happen to your life if you do.

Here are some reasons that I have heard over the years why some don't read the Bible:

• I don't have time. I'm too busy with work, kids, and other daily responsibilities.

• I don't understand the language and old phrases used.

• I find it boring and uninteresting.

• I don’t like to read.

• Reading is not my preferred way of learning or absorbing information.

• I've already read it before.

• It seems very complex and hard to comprehend.

• It's not a priority

Please don't fall for these reasons. I share them with you not to condemn you but to help you be aware of them so that when they come along, you can say, "Shut up, devil, I am not falling for it."

One final note, all of these and many more are just excuses. You can overcome them all.

The 10 Tips

I pray these tips are a blessing to you. The key is to apply them little by little. I have found over the years, the turtle wins the race. Why? Because I think as you approach things with the mindset of creating habits it will be more of an effect for change.

Let me give you an example. Over about 3 years, I have lost about 25 pounds. Some would say, that's not a lot at all. Others will say, I lost 25 pounds in a month. But you know what, a high percentage of those types of people will have their 25 pounds back and some.

In the last 3 years of my life, I have radically changed my perception of eating and exercising. I didn't do it for a crash diet; I did it because I wanted a lifestyle of health and fitness. It's who I am, not someone trying to live it for a couple of months. I have slowly changed my mindset about food and why I eat. I look forward to going out and walking cause I use it to spend time with God in prayer.

It's the same with developing a lifestyle of reading God's Word. More than likely, you won't be a superstar at it within 2 weeks' time, but if you apply these tips over time and stick with it, you will find yourself reading God's Word because you want to, and it's a part of your life.

1. Finding the Right Time for You

Your time and my time could be totally different. I am a morning person, while my wife is a night owl. She is wide awake at 11 at night, and I have already been in bed for 2 hours. I love getting up around 5:30 to 6:00 in the morning to do my praying and studying God's Word.

Don't make the mistake of looking at others and saying I have to do it this way. You be you when it comes to the perfect time for you to read the Bible. The important thing is to find a time that works best for you. Regardless of the time, be intentional about making it a priority in your schedule. By allocating a specific time slot, we demonstrate our commitment to seeking God's wisdom and guidance daily.

I can remember years ago, I worked at a marketing company in Des Moines, IA. I took my Bible to work to read during my lunch hour. I remember, to this day, sitting outdoors, eating my lunch, and reading my Bible. At that time in my life, it fitted perfectly into my schedule.

2. Distraction-Free Environment

My wife says I am weird, and you know what? I believe her. LOL! I can go to one of the loudest coffee shops, plop down, and read a book with no problem. No one will distract me at all. I actually love reading in a coffee shop.

But when it comes to studying my Bible, I want to be in a distraction-free environment. The Bible encourages us to divide the Word of Truth rightly. This is more than skimming words on a page. Rightly dividing requires us to chew on the Word, and find other correlating scriptures. We must think and pray about what it is saying to us. How does it apply to our lives?

In a world filled with constant noise and distractions, it can be challenging to focus on God's Word. Not all people are fortunate to have a designated office where they can study. Sometimes it will take some creativity to find that quiet place. Find a quiet corner in your home or a serene outdoor setting where you can immerse yourself in the Scriptures without interruptions. The more we eliminate distractions, the more we can fully hear God's voice speaking to our hearts.

3. The Bread of Life

Jesus is the living Word and the bread of life. Think how powerful that is, and now consider as you are reading the Bible, you are actually partaking of the very essence of Jesus.

Just as we strive to nourish our bodies with healthy food, we must want to nourish our spiritual beings with the Bread of Life. Also, it never gets old to do so. I love eating various berries with yogurt in the morning. I never get tired of it. I actually look forward to it. It's no different in partaking of the Word of Life. It should be fresh every time we read it because it is alive and real. There are many times, I will re-read a passage of scriptures, and I will see it totally differently than I did before.

The Bible may have been written thousands of years ago, but its truths remain timeless and applicable to our lives today. By immersing ourselves in the fresh truth of God's Word, we experience the transformative power of Jesus in our daily lives.

4. Inviting the Holy Spirit

Reading God's Word is not like reading a textbook from High School or any other book. You don't have the privy of having the author present to read along with you point out the key points.

The Holy Spirit inspired, or as some Bibles say, God Breathed. The godly men were carried along by the Holy Spirit to write every sentence in the Bible. The Holy Spirit lives inside of every born-again believer in Christ. So, as we read the Bible, we can invite the author to read it with us.

By having the Holy Spirit present, He will illuminate the truth and impart wisdom to us from God. He will bring the words on the page to life, transforming them from ink on paper to living, breathing words with power and significance.

The key to this tip is to invite the Holy Spirit. He is a gentleman. He is not going to barge in on your time of reading. You can read with your head to gain head knowledge, or you can read it with your spirit along with the Holy Spirit to gain a radical, life-changing transformation. Before you read, simply pray and ask the Holy Spirit to join you.

5. Have a heart reading to receive

The Scriptures are living and active, capable of penetrating and transforming your innermost being. It can radically change your life, but the key is you have to have the heart to want to receive its truth and apply it to your life.

Therefore, come before God's Word with a posture of receptivity, ready to receive its truths. The worst thing you can do is have an attitude that you are just reading to read or fulfilling your duty. You are not being open, and it's more about accomplishing a task.

Also, don't have a preconceived idea of what the Word is saying to you. That is like a horse having blinders on over their eyes. They are only able to see forward and have no peripheral vision. When we are not open to the Word making a lasting impact on our lives and only want to glean what we want, we will never see a true change in our lives.

So, after praying for the Holy Spirit to help you study, pray that you have the right heart to receive.

6. The Importance of a Good Habit Through Consistency

I know we are not talking about raising children here, but I want you to see something. When I read "Train Up," I see the Bible encouraging people to create good habits in their children. We, as believers, need to create good habits in our lives. In order to do so, it requires consistency.

The 21/90 rule states that it takes 21 days to make a habit and 90 days to make it a permanent lifestyle change. This is very powerful to consider. All we have to do is consistently read our Bibles for 21 days to make it a habit and 90 days to make it permanently a part of our lives!

As we develop a consistent habit of reading and studying, we position ourselves to receive the fullness of God's revelation for our lives. The possibilities of transformation are endless! The reason why I can write that is because I am thinking of different people that I know who have consistently made a practice of reading God's Word. They were a wreck before Christ, and today, they are a powerhouse for God.

One final note, don't get discouraged if you fail to read the Bible consistently and you don't create a habit within the first 21 days. The key is to stick close to the Holy Spirit, asking Him to help you achieve your goal and giving you the power and desire to do so. In time, you will do it.

7. Living According to God's Word

We, as believers, are new creatures in Christ Jesus (2 Corinthians 5:17). We have been born again, and there is an expectation for us to change not only on the inside but on the outside. What was okay as a person living in the world is probably, in many cases, not okay after giving your life to Jesus.

The reason why I selected this is because when you read the Word, it will renew and transform your mind (Romans 12:2). You will begin to think differently. Those thoughts will affect your actions. You will start aligning your life with God's Word, which leads to a life of victory, peace, and joy. It deepens your intimate relationship with God and brings forth the fullness of His blessings. After witnessing the positive changes in your life, you will realize a greater need to know the Word and want more of it.

8. Find a Reading Plan

This is a very important tip because I believe many can be lost really easily and don't know where to start reading or how to read the Bible.

Consider having a reading plan or devotional guide to follow. This can give your Bible reading journey structure and direction. Whether you choose to follow a chronological plan, study a specific book of the Bible, or engage in a thematic study, having a plan will help you stay on track. It also ensures you'll cover a variety of passages and topics.

One final note on this tip, there are countless YouTube videos or webpage articles that teach you how to study and read your Bible. Don't hesitate to search for them and partake. There are many ways to study God's Word; the key is finding the right way for you.

9. Don't Make it Legalistic

Don't get caught up in the religious duty of reading your Bible. In Hosea 6:6, God is saying that He wants the Israelites to know Him more than burnt offerings (religious ceremonial practices).

We need to know God and have an intimate relationship with Him, way more than putting a notch on our belt that we read the Bible today. The key is that we get that intimate relationship with Him by reading the Bible. It's an opportunity to fall deeper in love with the Lord. We get to commune with Him as we read it. It is an invitation to experience the abundant life that Jesus has promised.

Our Bible reading time should never be about bragging rights or making you feel you are more spiritual than others and giving you an opportunity to look down upon them. If you find yourself in this position, you are making it what it is not; you are making it legalistic. Ask the Holy Spirit to renew your heart and have the right attitude.

10. Don't Quit

We talked about the importance of consistency; not quitting is just as important. We must have a no-quitting sense. We need to be like a dog on a bone, knowing the devil will do anything to hinder us from reading the Word of God.

There are going to be days you are not going to want to read your Bible; learn to push through. There are great spiritual rewards for not quitting. I promise you that your life will be radically changed for the better.

If you find yourself failing, get back up and continue to run the race. The Lord is running with you cheering you on the entire way. There is no shame in falling. The only shame is not getting back up to run again.

Wrapping it Up!

Developing intimacy with God goes hand in hand with reading and studying His Word. It is not reserved for a select few; it is an invitation for all believers to deepen their relationship with God.

As you make reading and studying God's Word a priority, you will discover a greater understanding of who Jesus is and experience the fullness of a vibrant spiritual journey that God has for you.

Let's commit to dig into God's Word and allow it to shape and guide our lives.

Scriptures on Reading the Bible

John 1:1

2 Timothy 3:16-17

2 Timothy 2:15

Hebrews 4:12

Ephesians 3:4

Romans 10:17

Proverbs 8:33

Acts 17:11

Psalm 119:105

Frequently Asked Questions

What happens when you read God's Word?

When you read God's Word, something incredible happens deep within your soul. It's like a fire ignites in your heart, illuminating your path and giving you wisdom and understanding.

Psalm 119:105 says, "Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path." When we immerse ourselves in the scriptures, God's Word becomes our guiding light, directing our steps and helping us navigate through life's challenges. It's like having a GPS for our souls!

Reading God's Word also has the power to transform our minds and renew our spirits. Romans 12:2 tells us, "Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind." When you allow the truth of Scripture to penetrate your hearts, it replaces worldly thinking and shapes you into an image of Christ. You begin to see yourself and the world through God's perspective.

You need to condition yourself to make it a priority to dig into God's Word daily. Allow it to shine its light on your path and transform your heart and mind. As you do, you will experience the power, peace, and joy that come from knowing and following your Heavenly Father.

How do we understand God's Word?

It's important for you as a believer to dive deep into the Scriptures and let them guide your lives. But the key is not to be a reader skimming over words to say you read your Bible for today. We all need to strive to understand it.

First and foremost, you need to rely on the Holy Spirit to guide you into understanding God's Word. In John 16:13, Jesus promised that the Holy Spirit would lead us into all truth. Before reading the Bible, pray and ask the Holy Spirit to open your heart and mind to comprehend the deep truths found in the Bible.

Secondly, approach the Word of God with humility and a teachable spirit. In James 1:21, it says that we should receive the Word with meekness. This means being open to correction and willing to let go of your preconceived notions. With humility, you can truly grasp the profound wisdom and life-giving truths that God has for you.

Lastly, surround yourself with a community of believers who love and study God's Word. Proverbs 27:17 reminds us that iron sharpens iron, so when you engage in meaningful discussions and share insights with fellow believers, you can gain a greater understanding of God's Word.

What is the correct Bible version to read?

I know there are so many options out there, but I want to encourage you to seek a version that accurately represents the original texts and is faithful to God's Word.

Psalm 119:105 says, "Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path." This verse reminds us that the Bible serves as our guide in life, shining light on our journey. Therefore, it is crucial to choose a Bible version that accurately conveys God's message, so that you can faithfully follow His path.

2 Timothy 3:16-17 states, "All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work." This verse emphasizes the importance of Scripture in our lives. By selecting a reliable Bible version, you can ensure that you are equipped with the right tools for spiritual growth, teaching, and guidance.

Ultimately, each person may have a preference for a specific Bible version, and that's okay. What matters most is that you choose a version rooted in biblical principles, accurately translating God's Word so that you can fully grasp His intended message. Seek the Holy Spirit's guidance in your search for the correct Bible version, and allow His wisdom to lead you.

Shawn Paul is an author and missionary who has been living and working in Central America for the past 10 years. He is passionate about living for Jesus Christ and inspiring others to do the same, which is the focus of his blog, where he shares his expertise in Christianity.

In addition to his missionary work, Shawn enjoys reading books, studying God's Word, growing plants and flowers, feeding birds, and keeping up with the latest technology.

As a writer, Shawn's unique perspective and passion for his faith shine through in his work. Shawn's goal for the future is to impact people around the world for Jesus through his writing and missionary work.