For many women, the new year is an opportunity to create meaningful habits, and one of the most transformative habits is time with God’s Word. The challenge for many women is how to start and then consistently read a Bible reading plan amidst the demands of family, work, and ministry. The key to getting started is beginning with intentionality and grace. Here are five practical steps to help you get started and choose a Bible reading plan that’s both realistic and impactful in spiritual growth.
1. Choose Achievable Goals
The ultimate goal is obviously to be in God’s Word daily, but going from no habit to 365 days of reading in one year is daunting. Instead, shoot for goals that are achievable and fit your current rhythm of life. If you’re just starting, consider setting a goal to read 3-4 days a week. This allows space for reflection and gives you grace if you miss a day. Alternatively, you might aim for five days a week, taking weekends off to reflect or catch up. The goal isn’t perfection but consistency—taking small, faithful steps that lead to lasting change. You can increase frequency as your habit gets stronger. Keep in mind, it’s not about checking boxes but finding a sustainable rhythm to engage with Scripture.
2. Prioritize Quality Over Quantity
Most Bible reading plans challenge you to read the entire Bible in one year. While that is a very valuable discipline, that is not the only way to approach Scripture. Sometimes there is more value in coming to understand the overall story of the Bible, and sometimes going deep into one book, rather than reading cover to cover.
Consider your season of life and your spiritual needs. If you’re seeking to know God’s character more deeply, then a slower-paced plan that includes reflection and journaling might be best. If you want an overview, then a chronological reading plan helps you to see the Bible as one cohesive narrative. Whatever you choose, remember the goal is transformation, not just information.
3. Choose a Readable Translation
The translation you choose can make a big difference in both your understanding and your enjoyment of Scripture. If you find yourself struggling to stay engaged with the Bible, you might consider a translation like the New Living Translation. The NLT strikes a good balance between clarity/readability and faithfulness to the original text, making it an excellent choice for devotional reading. Other available translations include the Christian Standard Bible, or CSB, or the New International Version, or NIV. The right translation will make Scripture more approachable and help you connect with God’s Word in a fresh way.
4. Choose Accountability
One of the best ways to be consistent in your Bible reading is to invite others to join you. Gather a group of women—coworkers, friends, or members of your church—to read along with you. Share your goals and encourage one another as you discuss what God is teaching you through His Word. Accountability doesn’t have to be formal. It might just be a weekly text check-in or even a monthly coffee date in which you discuss what you’ve read. This shared experience will keep you on track and grow the camaraderie for community and encouragement in Christ.
5. Don’t Give Up–Give Grace
Life happens even with the best of intentions. You might fall behind, or feel discouraged, after missing a day-or several days. And you might want to give up all together, but remember grace is at the heart of our faith.
If you get behind, don’t freak out. Find a place to reengage in your reading or devotional book or adjust your schedule. Remember, the point is not to stay on schedule but to regularly meet with God. Be as gracious to yourself as God is with you, and know each day you wake up is a fresh day to experience Him through His Word.
Final Encouragement
It’s less about getting started reading your Bible, more about growing in your relationship with God Himself. Begin with a prayer-asking the Holy Spirit to lead and shape you through His Word. Whether it’s a small or yearlong plan you’re getting yourself into, the time you will invest in the Scriptures will be an investment in your spiritual life. Take a step this year to make God’s Word a priority in your everyday life. Set goals that are challenging yet seem reachable, find a plan that works for you, and lean into the encouragement of others. Consistently, with grace, you will realize the joy and change accompanying setting your life on the truth of God’s Word.
Posted on January 3, 2025
Jacki C. King is a respected and beloved Bible teacher, author, and dedicated ministry leader. Her passion involves guiding women toward a deep love for Jesus and His Word, encouraging them to embrace their mission in their homes, workplaces, and communities. She is the author of "The Calling of Eve: How Women of the Bible Inspire the Women of the Church" (Tyndale 2022). A proud native Texan, Jacki serves alongside her husband Josh, who serves as Lead Pastor of their local church, and their three boys. She holds a bachelor's degree in Biblical Studies and Ministry to Women from Criswell College, and a Master of Arts in Theological Studies from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary.
Connect with Jacki on Twitter and Instagram at @JackiCKing
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