Suggestions on how to read the Bible

I don’t know about you, but based on my personal experience, the Bible has been one of the hardest books I have ever had to read. I can’t count the number of times I’ve opened it with the intention of reading from Genesis to revelations, only to find myself discouraged along the way. It could be because it’s large, or maybe, as people, we don’t always know how to read it. That is why I am giving these suggestions on how to read the Bible, which is one of the best investments you can make in yourself.

But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you (Matthew 6:33 KJV).

Make your relationship with God your top priority, and everything else in your life will fall into place. If you focus on God and his will, he will focus on you. Start with studying the Bible regularly.

“You can’t go back and change the beginning, but you can start where you are and change the ending.”

— C. S. Lewis

The 5 Suggestions on how to read the Bible.

1. Pray for Clarity and understanding.

Pray before you read the Bible. Ask God to help you bring clarity and understanding to his word. Also, ask Him to give you the strength to put what you learn into practice and live a holy life.

Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths (Proverbs 3:5-6 KJV).

2. Listen to what the Bible is saying.

In the same way, you want God to hear your prayers. He wants you to hear him when you read his word, and the way you achieve this is by listening. Take your time reading and reflecting on what the word means. Also, recognize that when you read the scripture, you are hearing directly from God (2 Timothy 3:16-4:8).

Give ear and hear my voice, listen and hear my speech (Isaiah 28:23 NKJV).

3. Read from the beginning to the end; that is how to read the Bible.

One of my favorite quotes from “The First Principles Discipleship Course” is, “You will never understand a book unless you read it from beginning to end.” This statement resonates with me. We Christians fail to live by God’s standard because we don’t read his word enough. It is because we have never read it from beginning to end and we need to do better.

People use different approaches to reading the Bible, but “The First Principles Discipleship Course” recommends starting with the Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John). First, read all of the New Testament to learn about Jesus’ life and teachings, then proceed to Genesis and all the way to revelations. I am currently doing this, and I must say. It’s working. 

4. Read it daily.

I encourage you to set aside specific times daily to spend time in God’s word. I understand that this can be hard, but it is a necessary habit to develop. My personal Bible time happens in the evenings after work, simply because my mornings are so hectic. I don’t have enough time to sit, relax, and think about what I am reading. I don’t like rushing through my Bible studies either, so I prefer doing them after work because I have more time to sit and think.

Some people suggest reading the Bible while commuting to work. I’ve been there; I’ve done that, but it doesn’t work for me. I’ve tried listening to the Audible Bible while on the bus, but it doesn’t work either. I find it distracting. On the bus, I usually meet people I know and end up talking to them. At times, the bus can be noisy because other people are talking, which can be distracting. Other times, I find myself gazing out the window or immersing myself in other thoughts.

That’s why I prefer to spend my alone time with God in my room. I am most comfortable there, and when I am in that space, I find myself more focused.

But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God (Matthew 4:4 KJV).

5. Read it obediently.

If you know that God loves you, you should never question a directive from Him. It will always be right and best. When He gives you a directive, you are not just to observe it, discuss it, or debate it. You are to obey it.

– Henry Blackaby

We are all at different levels in our relationship with God. That means we are also at different levels of obedience. The Bible says, If you love me, you will keep my commandments (John 14:15). 

No matter where you are in your relationship with God, your obedience to him demonstrates your love for him. Even in the little things. I know it’s easier said than done, so don’t put pressure on yourself. Just continue studying the Bible, and over time it will transform you and make it easier for you to obey it. As you study the word, your love for God grows, and so does your obedience.

But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves (James 1:22 KJV).

I hope the five suggestions on how to read the Bible will be of help to you. If they work, please send them to your friends and family. For more content, subscribe to the blog or read previous posts. Thank you! Faith Archives – I am sheena wodala

Here is one of my favorite hymns to encourage you to trust and obey God’s word as you study it daily <3