Starting (or restarting) a Bible habit can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. Consistency grows best from simple, intentional steps. Here are some practical and encouraging ways to make time in Scripture a lasting part of your life this year. Here are some tips for staying consistent in reading the Bible.
1. Follow a Plan
Bible reading plans are one of the easiest ways to stay on track. They guide you through Scripture in a structured way and help you understand passages in their full context rather than reading randomly. Whether it’s a one-year Bible, a topical plan, or a book-by-book approach, a plan gives direction and removes the guesswork.
2. Listen to Scripture
Listening to the Bible is a powerful (and often overlooked) option. Just press play. With so many apps and podcasts offering audio Bibles, you can listen while commuting, exercising, or doing chores. You might be surprised how much you can get through—many books of the Bible can be listened to in under an hour.
3. Get Accountability
If consistency is a struggle, don’t do it alone. Share your goal with a friend, family member, or mentor and invite them to check in with you. Accountability turns good intentions into lasting habits.
4. Join a Bible Study Group
There is strength in studying Scripture together. Community brings built-in accountability, encouragement, and the opportunity to ask questions when something isn’t clear. You’ll also gain insight from how others understand and apply God’s Word.
5. Start Small
Don’t pressure yourself to read large sections all at once. Start with a chapter or even a short passage. Sit with it. Reflect on what God might be saying. As the habit forms, you can gradually build from there.
6. Pick a Time and Place
Consistency grows when Scripture has a set space in your day. Choose a specific time and place where you’ll meet with God—morning, lunch break, or before bed. Making it routine helps it become second nature.
7. Make It a Priority
We live in a busy, noisy world with endless distractions. Time with God doesn’t happen by accident—it’s a choice. When you intentionally place Him first, everything else begins to align around that decision.