How to Build a Daily Bible Reading Habit (Even if You’re Busy)
We live in a world that rarely slows down. Between work, family, and endless responsibilities, finding time to open the Bible can feel nearly impossible. You know it’s important—you want to read more—but days slip by, and your good intentions get buried under everything else.
If that sounds familiar, you’re not alone. But here’s the truth: building a daily Bible reading habit doesn’t require hours of your day. What matters most is not the size of your reading, but the consistency of your rhythm.
Let’s explore how to start—and keep—a daily Bible reading habit even in the busiest seasons of life.
1. Remember Why Scripture Matters
Before habits can stick, the “why” has to be strong. The Bible is not just another book to squeeze into your schedule; it is the living Word of God.
“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.”
(Psalm 119:105)
When you start to see Scripture as light for your path—daily guidance, strength, and hope—you’ll begin to hunger for it. Reading daily isn’t about obligation; it’s about receiving the encouragement you need for today.
2. Start Small (and Stay Steady)
Many people set unrealistic goals when trying to begin a Bible reading plan—committing to an hour a day or several chapters at once. But habits grow best when they start small.
Jesus compared faith to a mustard seed (Matthew 13:31–32). Habits work the same way. Even 2–3 minutes in God’s Word daily is better than nothing at all.
Practical step:
-
Begin with a single Psalm or one verse each morning.
-
Keep your Bible or Bible app ready where you usually drink coffee or tea.
-
Pair the habit with something you already do—like reading while the coffee brews.
Consistency beats volume every time.
3. Choose a Simple Bible Reading Plan
If you don’t know where to start, a daily Bible reading plan helps remove decision fatigue. The plan doesn’t have to be complicated—sometimes the simplest approaches are the most sustainable.
Ideas:
-
Read one Psalm and one Proverb each day.
-
Follow a Gospel reading plan to walk with Jesus chapter by chapter.
-
Use a “verse of the day” as your anchor and reflect on it throughout the day.
The goal isn’t to finish the Bible as quickly as possible, but to let Scripture shape your heart daily.
4. Let Scripture Meet You Where You Are
One reason daily reading habits fade is that we treat the Bible like a task list rather than an encounter. But God’s Word is living and active (Hebrews 4:12). That means a single verse can meet you in ways you never expect.
When you’re stressed, verses about peace will stand out. When you’re tired, verses about rest will feel like water to your soul.
Practical step: keep a notebook or a notes app where you jot down the verse that spoke to you most each day. Over time, you’ll build a personal “faith journal” of how God has been speaking to you.
5. Build Accountability into Your Routine
We’re far more likely to stick with habits when someone—or something—reminds us. Just like a workout buddy keeps you exercising, a gentle reminder can keep you in God’s Word.
“Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom.”
(Colossians 3:16)
Ways to stay accountable:
-
Share your reading plan with a friend or small group.
-
Join a church Bible study.
-
Use tools that send daily verses to you (like text reminders).
That’s where EverydayVerse can help—it delivers a daily Bible verse by text, so you’re always reminded to pause and spend time with God.
6. Extend Grace and Keep Going
Finally, remember this: habits are not about perfection, but direction. If you miss a day, don’t give up. God’s mercies are new every morning (Lamentations 3:22–23).
A Bible reading habit is not about checking boxes—it’s about growing closer to God day by day. Give yourself grace to begin again, and keep walking in His Word.
Final Thoughts: A Habit That Changes Everything
You don’t have to be perfect or have hours of free time to start a daily Bible reading habit. What matters most is showing up, even in small ways. Over time, the steady rhythm of Scripture will transform your mind, strengthen your faith, and remind you that you are never walking alone.
Even if life is busy, God’s Word is ready to meet you right where you are—today.
Stay Consistent with Everyday Encouragement
If you’d like an easy way to stay rooted in Scripture, EverydayVerse can help. We send you a daily Bible verse by text, so you never forget to pause and hear God’s Word—no matter how busy life gets.
