Are you desperately in need of help, wisdom or guidance for your life? We all can feel lost in life and many of us at times wish there was a book to help us. Well there is, and it’s the Bible!
What happens when you read the Bible everyday is astonishing. Your life, mind and heart will be transformed. You will find all the answers you need to find joy and happiness; you’ll discover your purpose through the depth and closeness you will have with Jesus.
Why the Bible Is Important
Why should we read the Bible? The Bible is important for many reasons—among other things, it provides guidance, direction, and comfort… and shares about how much you are loved. It allows you to get to know God and have a deeper relationship with him, which you long for.
The Bible helps you to be a better you by discipling, improving and instructing you.
“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, NIV)
Importance of Reading the Bible
The importance of reading the Bible can’t be overstated. It’s not just words on a page—it’s God’s words, directly given to you, and full of power.
“For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.” (Hebrews 4:12, NIV)
It is all true and gives you the ability to be free from all your struggles. It will let you live an abundant life; one where you have no regrets but feel completely fulfilled and free.
What Happens When You Read the Bible Everyday
The benefits of reading the Bible daily will be evident in your life, heart and mind. What happens is you become more like Jesus. Your mind is renewed with truth. This changes your outlook on life, your attitude, and perspective. Your goals and desires are shifted, too.
The more you know God from reading the Bible, the more you desire him and are changed for the better. You experience more peace and live a better life overall by knowing your creator. You also get to know his great love and experience it through his word in a profound way, being in his presence.
The deepest desire of your heart—to be loved, seen, known and heard—is met. You feel strong, secure, and safe in hard times and can get through them with an unshakable confidence that things will turn out for your good. You develop a strong, virtuous character.
This all happens when you read the Bible daily.
How to Read the Bible Effectively
If your intention is to love God, love yourself and love people to follow God’s greatest commandment then you need to commit to reading the Bible daily. These tips will show you how to read the Bible effectively:
- Set a time each day to do it without distraction; put your phone down, out of sight.
- Prepare your heart through prayer. Ask Jesus to speak to you through his word and for his spirit to help you.
- Highlight words and verses that stand out to you.
- Devote some time to reflect, and see how God wants you to apply it to your life. Maybe you need correcting or your thinking is off. Change it by memorizing a verse.
- Study a character who has a trait that exemplifies God well if you are looking to grow in this way. Notice how they lived their lives and how God responded to them. Take notes.
Make it a priority in your life and in your heart. Don’t see it as another thing to do, but be humble to be able to read his words. Have the right perspective and posture, which will allow you to be effective.
5 Ways to Read the Bible
Maybe you know the Bible is important and it’s your desire to reconnect with God in this way, but it’s been difficult. You don’t have the time, or you are feeling distant from God—or even mad at him for what has happened in your life.
Whatever your reason, you can get back to reading the Bible. God loves you and desires to show you this through his word. He wants to help you in your time of need and show you the good plans he has for your life.
He wants to renew your faith, and show you the power of what being in his word means for your life and heart. Below you will find 5 ways to read the Bible if you are struggling.
1. Pray for a Greater Desire
Prayer is so powerful; it changes things.
“This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. And if we know that he hears us—whatever we ask—we know that we have what we asked of him.” (1 John 5:14-15, NIV)
His will is for you to read the Bible, so if you pray for a desire to do so, he will give it to you. Make it a point to get into the Bible even when you don’t want to, and know he will answer your prayers.
Prayer before reading the Bible can change your whole experience, allowing you to know that God sees you and what you’re going through.
2. Seek Greater Understanding
Sometimes lacking understanding can keep us from reading the Bible. Therefore, we have to rely on the fact that the Holy Spirit will give us the understanding of the Bible that we desire. Knowing this and praying for it can change it all.
The Spirit can give you great understanding, so you can apply it your life; it will shift your thinking, attitude, and the way you speak.
“Then he opened their minds so they could understand the Scriptures.” (Luke 24:45, NIV)
Seek to understand the Bible through prayer, and by using resources such as commentaries and concordances. But don’t forget to find assurance in the power of the Holy Spirit to give you that understanding.
3. Read It in a Group
Besides reading the Bible on your own, it is also good to read it with others. God is present and moves powerfully when we commit to reading the Bible in a group, too.
“For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.” (Matthew 18:20, NIV)
This can give you greater motivation and accountability to read it on your own, also. It can make you excited and encourage you as you hear the testimonies of others and how God spoke to them through his word.
It can spark a new interest and curiosity to learn more as you listen to others… and maybe lead you to study a book you didn’t know about.
It can break down hurt and pain that you are struggling with. As someone shares a struggle and they speak about how the Bible helped them, it can make you see the Bible as more relevant.
4. Change How You See the Bible
Do you see the Bible as something you need and can’t live without opening? That if you don’t read your Bible you can’t get through the day?
We all need to see the Bible in this way. Reading the Bible needs to be on your heart as a top priority.
“For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” (Matthew 6:21, NIV)
You should treasure it, and know its transforming power. Think about how you see the Bible and focus on how you need it so much.
A different perspective can allow you to get into the Bible. Opening it and reading it needs to be desired as it should be revered.
5. Know God’s Plans
Knowing that God’s word is a guide to show you what to do in life will allow you to read the Bible more.
“Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.” (Psalm 119:105, NIV)
If you seek to live the right way and do the right things, the Bible will show you how. If you have a big decision to make and are simply clueless, God’s words in the Bible will show you.
Knowing this fact about the Bible will make you want to read it, in both good and hard times.
You should read the Bible daily, no matter what you are going through, and know how relevant it is for you.
Reading the Bible benefits you. 5 ways to read the Bible are to pray for a greater desire, to seek greater understanding through the Spirit, to read it in a group, to see the Bible as a treasure, and to know it enlightens you to God’s plans.
What happens when you read the Bible everyday is revolutionary. It transforms you and your life.
7 Responses
excellent writing. I saw your site while ai was searching read the bible. my wife Elizabeth and I have been developing exploring God’s Library for the last five years to help people read the Bible with understanding. we post daily on exploring God’s Library private facebook page. what you detailed in your writing is very helpful and clear. We are a group of about 77 readers and would love to see you there. God bless your efforts to help others read the Word of God.
in Christ’s refuge and strength,
James and Elizabeth Stephens
Hi, James and Elizabeth.
I’m so glad that you enjoyed the article. All glory to God!
Thank you so much for sharing about your ministry, too. I’m so encouraged by it and just joined your group.
Thank you so much, and I pray God continues to bless you both and your ministry.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/1871385569648323/?ref=share
Enjoyed this will use this in a Bible study. Thank you
Hi, Frank.
I’m so glad you enjoyed this, and can use it for your Bible study. Praying God moves powerfully in your study.
It’s wonderful to connect with you!
Excellent writing .I enjoy reading the word of God now unlike before. am loving walking according to the word though that am not perfect yet
Hi, Diana.
I’m so thankful that you enjoyed this piece. All glory to God!
It took me a really long time to enjoy reading the Word of God also. I’m far from perfect as well, but I’m thankful that we’re further than we used to be.
It’s so wonderful to connect with you!