How to Get Into the Habit of Reading the Bible Every Day Whether You Like Reading or Not

When you know you need to read more Scripture

You’re having a conversation with your Christian friend. And they’re making a couple of references from the Bible. Some you know, some you definitely don’t know. They ask you if you remember a specific story because it’s assumed that every Christian knows their Bible. You either lie and say, “Sure” or you hesitate in saying, “No, I don’t know.” But you don’t want them to know you don’t know.

Either way, now you’re thinking you should read more Scripture.

Hey, there's no judgment here. I know it can be intimidating reading something as big as the Bible. I felt this way as a baby Christian- fresh in my faith. I made reading the Word a part of my daily life. And it can be like that for you too.

Now, this doesn’t mean you’re going to read every single day. You might miss a few days total. I know I’ve missed more days than I’d like to admit. But I’ve managed to do it every day in general. And it’s doable.

You want to read more of the Bible. But you can’t make yourself read every day. And when you do try you can’t seem to get into it. Let me tell you, you’re not the only one who goes through this.

There is a simple trick to reading your Bible daily. But sometimes the simplest things are the toughest to go through. It all depends on your willpower. Once you get a handle on reading the Bible every day you’re guaranteed to have God-given wisdom.

Aside from wisdom, there are many benefits to reading the Bible. It’s not only beneficial but an absolute necessity. It’s through the Word you get to know who Jesus is. And you want to avoid any issues that result from not reading often.

Not reading vs. reading the Bible daily

Have you ever heard someone say, “If only life came with instructions?” Well, life does come with instructions. It’s called the Bible. And it’ll give you guidance from managing money to treating others and how to spend your time.

It’s important to be knowledgeable in Scripture so you know where to turn to. There’s no sin from not reading the Bible. But why wouldn’t you? You'd be missing out.

Issues from not reading daily

No one ever wants to be misled. This will happen to people who are not familiar with Scripture. I’m going to take a jab at the prosperity “gospel.” This is the belief that God will bless you in finance and in materialistic things if you're faith is big enough. This is not biblical.

Many people are given false guidance because of distorted ideas like this. I won’t go into detail because that’s a different topic for another post.

The point is, know the Bible so well you’ll be able to identify false doctrine. So you are not misled by wolves in sheep’s clothing (Matthew 7:15).

Another thing… If you’re not reading the Word, do you really know Jesus? This is a problem. Reading about Christ brings you closer to Him. I came through faith reading the book of John. Most will agree this book gives the most details of Jesus.

Benefits of reading daily

Through frequent reading you…

• Gain wisdom

• Know Christ

• Discern God’s voice

Wisdom can come from God through reading Scripture.

Did you know Jesus is the Word in living flesh (John 1:14)! Know Scripture, know Jesus. Know your Savior. Of course, this should extend beyond the pages but the Bible is a great foundation. And with that God will bless you with discernment.

You’ll be able to discern God’s “voice.” God does speak to us and in various ways. By reading the Word you will be familiar with how He speaks. And you’ll know when the Holy Spirit speaks to you to give you guidance.

All Scripture Is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work. -2 Timothy 3:16-17

How to get into the habit of reading the Bible daily

One word: Discipline. That’s how you read the Bible every day. Yep, it’s that simple. But is it easy? To some, it may not be. Discipline can be a difficult thing to master.

You need to read Scripture daily through discipline. You might be thinking, “I don’t have that.” Well, you need to obtain this in order for it to work. You might also be thinking, “I just don’t have the motivation.”

Motivation and discipline have something in common: it’s a choice. You put aside your feelings and choose to make it happen. Feelings have a place in certain situations but they shouldn’t prevent you from growing in your faith. "I don’t feel like reading the Bible." This doesn’t sound like a good excuse, right?

Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge... -Proverbs 12:1

I’m not trying to make you feel guilty here. Some people do have a difficult time reading the Bible, especially new believers. Most will try for a bit and then give up. This may also be typical for people who don’t like to read in general.

You might be putting off reading the Bible because you “can’t get into it.” I’m guilty of falling asleep while reading! I’ve also read pages while my mind was elsewhere and nothing stuck. It's useful to dive into Scripture with intention and a plan.

You’re going to have to find what works best for you. Find an efficient way to dive into the Word and actually enjoy it.

They say it takes about 21 days to form a habit. Discipline yourself and learn to love reading the BIble over time. I wake up early enough to get at least one chapter read in the morning. I’ve been doing that for years. If I don’t get to it in the morning I make sure I read at night- right before going to bed.

It helps if you don’t keep coming up with excuses. Make it happen. You can do it.

Click here for a post on how to get into the Bible if you struggle reading it.

Let me know in the comments what works for you or if you have any tips.