How Often Should I Study the Bible?
It’s commonly said that Christians should read their Bible every day. Is that a biblical command? Are we required to read the Bible daily? What if we can’t figure out how to make that happen? How often do we need to study the Bible to be faithful followers of Christ?
The question about how often you should study the Bible is many times driven by a desire to earn God’s favor by doing enough. You may feel like God won’t listen or respond to you if you don’t read Scripture every day or don’t pray morning, noon, and night.
We can even fall into the comparison trap. Suzie from church gets up at 5 am to read the Bible. You probably know that because she posts an idyllic picture of herself with her coffee and her Bible on Instagram every now and then. You’re still snoozing at 5 am, so cue the guilt.
Delight in Studying Scripture
When we feel guilty or as if we’ve fallen short, let’s remember a couple things.
Jesus died for our sins.
As Christians, who have placed our trust in Jesus, we have already been forgiven. Trying to earn God’s favor by studying the Bible enough is a false gospel. We are not saved by our works (like the amount of time we spend studying the Bible) but through faith in Jesus, who died for our sins.
You already have God’s favor. You already are in right standing with Him. He is already on your side!
So before finding an answer about how often you should study the Bible, ask yourself: Am I trying to earn God’s favor by doing enough? Is my Bible study driven by guilt or by excitement to meet with God?
Actions driven by SHOULDs are often short-lived.
Nobody wants to live driven by guilt and obligations. Any other relationship would suffer from such misplaced feelings, and so will your relationship with God. I encourage you to truly accept His free gift of grace and apply it to every area of your life including Bible study.
If the only reason you open your Bible in the morning is because you feel like you SHOULD, you’ll likely do so begrudgingly and without joy. That can only set you up for wishing you could do just about anything else. Hello distractions! Wait, what did I just read?! Ugh, let’s just do this another day. Cue more guilt.
Does that vicious cycle sound familiar? Let’s build our habit differently.
Get excited to meet with God.
When you set aside time during your busy week to pray and read the Bible, consider it your time meeting with God. We have a precious relationship with our Heavenly Father, and it’s a privilege to nurture it regularly.
Nothing quite ministers to your heart the same as hearing from God through His Word and through prayer. It’s likely why your friend Suzie posts that picture of herself on her coffee date with Jesus.
We need God’s input.
Friend, I’ll be honest… I need Jesus every day. I need energy and strength to fulfill my responsibilities and invest in the people in my life, and only Jesus can truly give me what I need to keep going.
When I’m at cross roads, I need His advice. When I feel weak, I need His strength. When I am running on empty, only God can fill my cup.
Reading the life-giving, powerful Word of God is the kind of input I want in my life as often as I can get it.
Does the Bible tell us how often to read the Bible?
There is not a commandment that says, “Thou shalt read your Bible every day.” But the Bible is not silent on the topic either. Let’s consider the following.
the Bible tell us to dwell on his word continually.
Psalm 1:1-3 tell us, “Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked or stand in the way that sinners take or sit in the company of mockers, but whose delight is in the law of the Lord, and who meditates on his law day and night. That person is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither - whatever they do prospers.”
When we dwell on God’s Word day and night, we will be firmly rooted in our faith. We are less likely to waver when trouble comes or be swept away by false teaching because we know the Truth of Scripture. Reading the Bible will fuel an infectious faith that refines us.
the Bible can help us discern right from wrong.
2 John 1:7-9 warns us, “I say this because many deceivers, who do not acknowledge Jesus Christ as coming in the flesh, have gone out into the world. Any such person is the deceiver and the antichrist. Watch out that you do not lose what we have worked for, but that you may be rewarded fully. Anyone who runs ahead and does not continue in the teaching of Christ does not have God; whoever continues in the teaching has both the Father and the Son.”
The Bible is our measure of truth. Our faith is rooted in God’s Word. We study Scripture, in part, to learn truth and discern teachings you hear throughout the day. When you read the Bible a lot, you’re ready to detect (and maybe even refute) the false messages that surround us every day.
the Bible strengthens our resolve to follow Jesus.
Psalm 119:11 & 105 say, “I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you,” and “Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.”
In all this, our desire is to follow Jesus whole-heartedly, right?! We want our lives to honor him and reflect His teachings. We need His guidance daily - and the Bible is the first place to look for it.
Practical Considerations
Instead of asking, “How often SHOULD I study the Bible?”, I suggest we ask, “How often can I study the Bible?”
It’s a great idea to make time for Bible study often. Regular time in God’s Word has so many benefits:
The more you read, the more you learn about God. Especially if you are new to the faith, regular time reading the Bible is a great way to immerse yourself in all there is to learn about your newfound faith.
Daily Bible study keeps Jesus and His mission top of mind. Let’s face it, we get distracted easily. Our flesh takes over, worldly messages take root, and suddenly we are living for ourselves more than for God. Instead, reading the Bible reminds us of the heart of God and allows us to more readily respond as He would.
When we study the Bible regularly, we are more likely to read ALL OF IT. Reading only our favorites passages does not give us an accurate view of God. But reading the whole Bible or even a whole book of the Bible requires some time commitment. You will have read through the book of John, let’s say, in no time if you read a chapter or heading’s worth every day.
I also recommend finding a time commitment that is sustainable for you. For example, if you cannot currently study the Bible every day, what about four days a week? Can you give 20 minutes?
Take a moment now to map out when in your day you can set aside time to read the Bible throughout your week. Set a reminder on your phone for those times, and when that ringer goes off, grab your Bible and read a section of the book of John (for example).
Try it for a month and reevaluate. Can you add another day? Is 30 minutes three days a week more realistic? Make adjustments as you go along.
Remember: There is no shame here, no guilt. No shoulda-woulda-coulda! You’re meeting with God because you want to and because it’s good for you.
If you’ve already found a good Bible study routine that’s worked well for you, would you comment below and share it with the rest of us. Your routine may just inspire someone who is still trying to figure out when and how often to study the Bible.
