Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path. Psalm 119:105 KJV

The Bible, simply put, is God’s love letter to us. More than just a text written thousands of years ago, the Bible is the foundation of our faith and roadmap for navigating our daily lives. Whether we are new to the faith or grew up in the Church, the Bible is important for our spiritual growth. Reading God’s word is how we develop our relationship with Him and should happen more often than on Sunday. But how? How do we develop this discipline and transform what may seem like a daunting and overwhelming task into an act of worship? How do we learn how to study the Bible?

Find a Version

Like most things, we have choices. According to Wikipedia the Bible is the most translated book in the world and there are over 3000 versions. Find a version/translation of the Bible that is easy to read and most comfortable for you.

I use the New King James Version (NKJV). I grew up in the Apostolic Church and memorized scriptures from the King James Version, which is more traditional and uses formal speech. I find the NKJV to be most similar to what I learned as a child while substituting the formal “ye” for the contemporary “you”. The New International Version (NIV) and The Message are also modern translations that are easy to understand.

Common Translations of the Bible include:

• NKJV – faithful to tradition, with modern language
• NIV – clear, accessible, easy to follow
• The Message – paraphrased and conversational
• ESV – modern yet more literal translation

Use a Study Bible

A study Bible provides additional insight and commentary. Most study Bibles will provide historical context, chapter outlines, and scripture commentaries as well as in-depth glossaries and index sections for cross-referencing. Understanding the historical, cultural, and literary context can help aid understanding and meaning. The NKJV Study Bible by Thomas Nelson is my go-to.

Start Reading (yes, really. Just start.)

Simple as it sounds, just start reading. The Bible is divided into two sections – the Old Testament and the New Testament. Each section is further divided into books, chapters, and verses (my mom calls this the address). For example, John 3:16 is the book of John, chapter 3 verse 16.

Your reading plan can be chronological, thematic, or character-focused. You could also download the YouVersion Bible app that offers a verse of the day, Bible reading plans, and devotionals.

Types of Reading Plans

• Chronological – read the Bible in historical order
• Topical – focus on themes like grace, fear, or purpose
• Character-based – study one person’s journey
• Book-by-book – dive into shorter books like Ruth or James

My reading began character-focused. Remember the stories we learned as children? I read about Jonah, Ruth, Esther, and Daniel. Each of these characters had their own books, so I also felt a sense of accomplishment by reading an ENTIRE book of the Bible. It didn’t matter that it was only four chapters. I then moved onto other characters like Abraham, Moses, David and Paul whose lives spanned many books of the Bible.

Start small. Set aside 15 to 20 minutes at a specific time and place each day. Make (and keep) an appointment to spend time with the Lord. The key is to be consistent. Soon, it will become a regular part of your routine.

Make it Personal

Don’t just read the Bible. Make it personal. Reflect upon your reading by incorporating prayer, meditation, and journaling. Meditate on the verses. Write down key verses that resonate with you. As you read the Scriptures or a character-focused story, think about how the reading applies to your life.. Pray and ask the Lord what He is showing you or what He wants you to learn. Then do it. The Bible says that we should, “be doers of the word, and not hearers only” James 1:22 (NKJV).

Involve Others

Everything is better with friends. Whether it’s a trusted friend, a Bible study group, or an online devotional community, studying Scripture with others brings perspective, encouragement, and accountability.

Studying the Bible doesn’t have to be complicated. It doesn’t require a seminary degree, a perfectly quiet house, or an hour of uninterrupted time (though that would be nice). It just starts with a willing heart, a little consistency, and a whole lot of grace.

Start small. Pick a version you can understand. Read one story. Ask one question. Let His Word begin to do what it is meant to do, light your path, one step at a time.