Overcoming Bible Struggles: Part Four

We’ve all been there. You start strong—determined to read the Bible every day. You pick a plan, maybe even buy a new journal, and for the first few days, it feels great. But then life happens. You miss a day, then two. Before you know it, weeks have passed, and the habit you wanted to build has quietly faded into the background.

If that sounds familiar, you’re not alone. The challenge isn’t just about wanting to read the Bible—it’s about finding a rhythm that actually sticks.

But what if the problem isn’t your lack of discipline? What if the reason so many people struggle with consistency is because they’re trying to approach the Bible in a way that doesn’t actually fit their life?

The good news? Bible reading doesn’t have to feel like a struggle. It’s possible to build a habit that is natural, sustainable, and, most importantly, life-giving.

Why Do Most Bible Reading Habits Fail?

The biggest mistake we make is treating Bible reading like an all-or-nothing activity. We assume that if we don’t spend at least 30 minutes in deep study, it doesn’t count. So when we don’t have the perfect quiet time setup—complete with coffee, candles, and a journal—we put it off.

But consistency isn’t built on intensity; it’s built on small, repeatable actions. The key to a lasting Bible habit isn’t reading more—it’s reading regularly.

Jesus compared spiritual growth to planting seeds (Mark 4:26-29). Seeds don’t grow overnight. They grow through small, steady changes—sunlight, water, time. Bible reading is the same. The goal isn’t to master Scripture overnight but to allow it to shape you gradually, day by day.

How to Build a Bible Reading Habit That Lasts

1. Connect Bible Reading to an Existing Habit

The best way to build a new habit is to attach it to something you already do. You don’t need to create extra time—you just need to connect it to a daily rhythm that’s already in place.

• Morning coffee? Read a Psalm while you drink it.
• Brushing your teeth? Listen to an audio Bible.
• Commute to work? Keep a pocket Bible in your bag or listen to Scripture on the go.
• Before bed? End your day with a short passage from the Gospels.

When Bible reading becomes part of something you already do, it feels natural instead of forced.

2. Start Small (Like, Really Small)

Most habits fail because we try to do too much too soon. Instead of committing to long reading sessions, start with just one verse a day. If you’re enjoying it, read more. But if not, let that one verse be enough.

Growth happens through small, consistent steps. Just like you don’t expect instant results from one gym session, you don’t need to read entire books of the Bible to see transformation. Even a few verses, read with attention, can change the way you think and live.

3. Use a Bible That Fits Your Needs

Sometimes, the struggle isn’t with reading the Bible—it’s with reading a Bible that isn’t right for you. If you’ve been trying to read a version that feels difficult to understand or doesn’t engage you, it might be time to switch.

• If you want clarity, try the NIV or NLT—both are easy to read while staying faithful to the original text.
• If you love depth, a Study Bible can provide background context and insights.
• If you’re a visual learner, consider a Journaling Bible to write down thoughts and prayers as you read.
• If you struggle with consistency, a One-Year Bible or a Bible with built-in reading plans can guide you.

If you’re not sure where to start, you can explore some reader-friendly Bibles here.

4. Remove the Pressure (It’s Not About Perfection)

Here’s the truth: you’re going to miss a day. Maybe even a few days. And that’s okay. The goal isn’t perfection—it’s progress.

So instead of feeling guilty and quitting, just start again. No shame. No “catching up.” Just pick up where you left off and keep going.

God isn’t waiting for you to perfect your Bible habit—He simply wants to meet with you.

5. Read with Others (Accountability Changes Everything)

Reading the Bible isn’t meant to be a solo journey. If you struggle with consistency, try reading alongside someone else.

• Join a Bible study group—even if it’s just a few friends meeting over coffee.
• Start a reading challenge with a friend—text each other a verse or takeaway each day.
• Follow a Bible reading plan together—knowing someone else is doing it too can keep you motivated.

There’s something powerful about reading in a community. It turns Bible reading from a personal struggle into a shared experience, and it makes Scripture come alive in new ways.

Building a Bible Habit That Feeds Your Soul

If you’ve struggled to make Bible reading a habit, take heart—it doesn’t have to stay that way. You don’t need more willpower. You don’t need the perfect routine. You just need a simple rhythm that works for you.

Start small. Connect it to something you already do. Find a Bible that makes reading easy. Let go of the guilt and just begin.

And most of all, remember this: Bible reading isn’t about checking a box. It’s about meeting with God.

In the next post, we’ll explore the deeper impact of Scripture—how engaging with the Bible doesn’t just inform your mind but transforms your life.

And if you’re looking for a Bible that fits into your daily rhythm, you can explore our collection of habit-friendly Bibles here. Because sometimes, the right Bible can make all the difference.