Last updated: December 30, 2024. Originally published January 2016, updated with current strategies and resources.
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Table of Contents
Why Consistency Matters in Bible Reading
You started your Bible reading plan with enthusiasm and good intentions. Perhaps you even made it through the first few weeks. But somewhere along the way, life got busy, you missed a few days, and now you’re struggling to get back on track. If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone.
Learning how to stick to your Bible reading plan is often more challenging than choosing the plan itself. The good news? With the right strategies and support, you can develop a consistent Bible reading habit that withstands life’s interruptions.
What You’ll Learn in This Guide
- Proven methods for maintaining Bible reading consistency
- Practical solutions to common obstacles
- Expert strategies for building lasting habits
- Tools and resources to support your journey
- Tips for getting back on track when you fall behind
Before we dive into specific strategies, remember this: the goal isn’t perfection, it’s progress. God’s Word isn’t meant to be a source of guilt but of growth and transformation.
If you haven’t chosen a reading plan yet, start with our guide to finding the right Bible reading plan for your needs.
How to Stick to Your Bible Reading Plan When Life Gets Busy
Understanding what derails your Bible reading habit is the first step to overcoming these challenges. Let’s explore the most common obstacles and how to address them.
Time Management Struggles
The most frequent challenge people face when trying to stick to their Bible reading plan is finding consistent time. Common challenges include:
- Busy morning routines
- Irregular work schedules
- Family obligations
- Evening fatigue
- Competing priorities
Loss of Momentum
Even with good intentions, several factors can break your reading rhythm:
- Missing several days in a row
- Feeling overwhelmed by “catching up”
- Losing track of where you left off
- Decreasing motivation over time
- Schedule disruptions
Comprehension Challenges
Difficult passages can discourage consistent reading:
- Complex theological concepts
- Historical contexts
- Old Testament laws
- Prophetic literature
- Genealogies
Digital Distractions
Modern challenges to maintaining focus include:
- Phone notifications
- Social media updates
- Email interruptions
- Multiple device notifications
- Information overload
The Perfection Trap
Many readers struggle with:
- Feeling guilty about missed days
- Trying to catch up on skipped readings
- All-or-nothing thinking
- Unrealistic expectations
- Performance anxiety
Pro Tip: Identifying your specific obstacles is crucial for developing effective solutions. Take a moment to consider which of these challenges most often affects your Bible reading consistency.
Now that we’ve identified common obstacles, let’s explore proven strategies from experienced Bible readers who have successfully overcome these challenges…
Expert Methods to Stick to Your Bible Reading Plan
Learning from those who maintain consistent Bible reading habits can provide valuable insights and practical solutions. Here’s what experienced Bible readers and teachers recommend for staying on track with your reading plan.
Create a Sustainable Morning Routine
Dawn Klinge, Christian writer and longtime Bible teacher, shares:
Pair your Bible reading with something you’ll never skip—like your morning coffee. Make it as natural as brushing your teeth. When Bible reading becomes part of your morning routine, consistency follows naturally.
Key Implementation Tips:
- Wake up 15 minutes earlier
- Prepare your reading space the night before
- Keep your Bible and reading plan visible
- Start with prayer
- Remove phone distractions
Match Your Learning Style
Understanding how you best engage with Scripture can transform your consistency. Consider these approaches:
Visual Learners
- Use color coding
- Create mind maps
- Draw simple illustrations
- Take structured notes
- Use Bible journaling methods
Auditory Learners
- Listen to audio Bibles
- Read passages aloud
- Discuss readings with others
- Record your insights
- Use Bible reading apps with audio
Hands-On Learners
- Write out key verses
- Use physical Bible markers
- Create action points
- Apply readings practically
- Engage in Bible journaling
Remember Your “Why”
Andrew Adams, Christian author and teacher, emphasizes an important perspective:
“The Bible is a love letter from God! When you forget to read it, remember that God loves you and simply wants to spend time with you. This isn’t about checking boxes—it’s about developing a relationship.”
His advice transforms Bible reading from a task to a relationship:
- Focus on connection, not completion
- Approach reading as conversation
- Keep the bigger picture in mind
- Embrace different study methods
- Use tools that deepen understanding
Find Your Reading Rhythm
Jed Jurchenko, seminary professor, therapist, and author of 21 books, emphasizes:
“Keep pressing forward. Doing something is always better than doing nothing. When you hit difficult passages, maintain momentum. You’ll be amazed at how much you grow over time.”
Practical Application:
- Start with achievable goals
- Increase reading gradually
- Track your progress
- Celebrate small wins
- Focus on consistency over quantity
Establish Accountability Systems
Modern accountability methods that work:
- Join a Bible reading community
- Share insights with friends
- Use tracking apps
- Participate in group discussions
- Set regular check-ins
Pro Tip: Choose strategies that align with your personality and lifestyle. The best method is one you’ll actually maintain.
Practical Tips for Staying on Track
Beyond expert advice, here are proven strategies to help you maintain consistency with your Bible reading plan. These practical tips address real-world challenges and provide actionable solutions.
Handle Missed Days Effectively
The key to long-term success isn’t perfect attendance—it’s proper recovery:
- Start with today’s reading
- Don’t attempt to catch up
- Release guilt over missed days
- Maintain forward momentum
- Learn from interruptions
Create Environmental Triggers
Set yourself up for success with intentional reminders:
- Place your Bible by your coffee maker
- Set a consistent phone reminder
- Use physical bookmarks
- Keep reading plans visible
- Create a dedicated study space
Leverage Technology Wisely
Use digital tools to support (not distract from) your reading:
- Enable focused reading modes
- Use Bible apps with reminders
- Track progress digitally
- Set phone to “Do Not Disturb”
- Use audio Bibles during commutes
Develop Support Systems
Don’t try to maintain consistency alone:
- Share your commitment with others
- Find a reading partner
- Join Bible study groups
- Share insights regularly
- Celebrate milestones together
Overcome Common Setbacks
When obstacles arise, have a plan ready:
- Keep a backup reading time
- Have alternative study methods
- Maintain flexibility in approach
- Focus on quality over quantity
- Remember your “why”
Pro Tip: Success in maintaining your Bible reading plan often comes down to preparation and adaptability. Have multiple strategies ready for different situations.
You Don’t Have to Read Alone
Join our private Telegram community to:
• Share your Bible reading journey • Get encouragement
• Support one another in prayer • Stay accountable • Connect with fellow believers
This is a private, request-to-join community to ensure a safe, focused environment for everyone.
Your Next Steps in Bible Reading Success
Maintaining a consistent Bible reading habit isn’t about perfection—it’s about progress. As you’ve discovered, staying on track with your Bible reading plan becomes more manageable with the right strategies, support, and mindset.
Key Takeaways
- Start fresh each day without the burden of catching up
- Choose strategies that match your lifestyle and learning style
- Use technology intentionally to support your reading
- Build in accountability and community support
- Remember that consistency matters more than quantity
Action Steps to Take Today
- Choose one strategy from this guide to implement immediately
- Set up your Bible reading environment for success
- Identify your most challenging obstacle and its solution
- Plan your reading time for tomorrow
- Share your commitment with someone who will encourage you
Remember, every time you open God’s Word, you’re investing in your spiritual growth. Don’t let perfect be the enemy of progress—start where you are, use what you have, and keep moving forward.
Hey Gene,
I love this post, and thank you for giving me the opportunity to join in and collaborate. Daily Bible reading is something that is so important to our Christian growth, and to our daily relationship with Christ. Thank you again for the opportunity to share my thoughts on this!
HI Jed, Thank you for being a part of the article! It’s so valuable for me to hear from others on overcoming some of the obstacles we face in different areas. It’s a real honor to have your voice on this one!
I believe that some of us need to know that our growth in Bible study give us the power to pass on what we have learn to others, it makes me a better mother, grandmother, co-worker and adds to my earthly life that I share with others.
Absolutely correct, Mildred. And of all of those things I personally can’t think of a bigger impact opportunity than that of grandparent. Never underestimate the power of a praying grandma or grandpa!
Hello Gene, One of the best tools over the past year to keep me on track is receiving a daily e-mail offered by my church which contains a Bible/scripture reading (about a chapter a day) along with a related devotional. (We are reading through the Bible as a congregation.) I can’t imagine that there aren’t other similar scripture & devotional sign-ups out there for which people can take advantage. Receiving that e-mail on my phone each morning really prompts me to start the day out with prayer and scripture, and provides Godly insight. There are plenty of resources and reading plans online that can be easily found with a Google search as well. If people are looking for a good audio Bible online, I highly recommend Bible.is website. It is free and has various dramatic reading versions that are quite attention-holding. 🙂
HI Cheryl, I just downloaded the Bible.is app to my phone so I could hear the audio while I do other things. You’re right, the dramatic readings are really captivating!
Bible Gateway does offer the option to receive a daily email reminder with their plans, but I really love the congregational reading your church is doing. That could have very positive impact on that community! Thank you for sharing your thoughts, and happy 2016!!