Each year the American Bible Society, in partnership with the Barna Group, releases the State of the Bible. One of the most interesting aspects of this research is that it gives a snapshot of our collective Bible reading habits. Based on the 2020 State of the Bible, this research shows that 9% of Americans use the Bible on a daily basis. On the other end of the spectrum, 34% of Americans never read the Bible on their own. In between these extremes, one finds a wide variety of Bible reading habits. 

It is likely that many people would love to create new, healthier Bible reading habits, yet where to start? How do you form a lasting habit? Some habits are automatic and subconscious, like buckling your seatbelt when you get into a car. But others take time to cultivate. 

First, you need to know your why. Why do you want to create healthy Bible reading habits? Maybe there are parts of the Bible that you have never read. You are curious and eager to learn. That’s a great reason to foster a Bible-reading habit. Maybe you know that regular Bible reading will help you know God and grow in your relationship with him. That’s another great reason! Spend some time thinking about why you want to read the Bible and the positive benefits that come from doing so. Having a vision for the why behind the what will help give you the motivation needed to stick with it!

Second, you need a plan. Are you going to follow an annual Bible reading plan? Will you read the Bible every day or on certain days each week? The best plan is a plan that is doable. Make sure it starts with a realistic and manageable amount of time. Think about whatever you are doing (or aren’t doing) now and consider how you might take a small step forward. Commit to taking that step for a reasonable amount of time – 40 days is a good biblical number. Set realistic expectations, because starting new habits can be hard. One good rule of thumb is to “never miss twice.” In other words, realize that you may have some setbacks along the way. You might miss a day on your plan. But don’t let that snowball. Catch it early and “never miss twice.” 

Third, you need consistency, which is aided by “supporting habits.” These can actually be a great deal of fun. For example, maybe you are a coffee or tea drinker. Treat yourself to a bag of locally roasted beans or loose-leaf organic tea that you can brew to go along with your Bible reading. Maybe you’ve been wanting a new Bible. Go ahead and purchase it or sign up for a free trial of Dwell! 

If you follow these three steps, you will be on your way to creating a new habit of biblical engagement. 

Make it fun and enjoy the process! Or, think about it in reverse. Is there a daily habit that you already have established? How might healthy Bible reading become a part of that habit? For example, many people ride a bus or take the subway to work. You already have this as an established habit and it would be easy to add Bible reading into this rhythm. In fact, adding Bible reading to an existing habit is almost guaranteed to be easier than starting a new habit from scratch. Either way, be patient and focus on the long-term establishment of a healthy discipline of daily time in the Scriptures.  And lastly, be quick to give yourself grace when you encounter day-to-day setbacks or unexpected interruptions. Persevere and remember your why!