Let’s Talk About: Reading the Bible in a Year

This year I’m embarking on my biggest read yet: reading the Bible from beginning to end.

Five years ago I became really intentional about my quiet time and what it looked like, working my way through She Reads Truth study books. I have loved and treasured their subscription program with the additional weekly podcast episodes that bring the Word to life and would recommend them to anyone.

But midway through last year, I started to feel like it was time to really get into the Word and understand it. You see, I’ve been a believer for a really long time, went to a private Christian school, took theology classes, and go to church and small group weekly. But there are depths of God that I still don’t understand (and probably won’t until I’m with Him in eternity). But I wanted to know more about the background of each book of the Bible, and how each one applies to God’s plan for humanity and the world I live in today, which meant it was time to get into the nitty gritty of the Word.

So, I reached out to some of the people I love who I’m convinced have direct lines to God and thought I’d share their thoughts and suggestions in case it helps you too.

#1. It’s not a race.

Though I’m starting a plan to read the Bible in a year, my intention is not to race through the reading so I can check the goal off my list by December 31.

No, my goal is to spend daily, intentional time in the Word with God. One of the first things my aunt told me is to remember that reading the Bible in a year is not a race. And, because every day is not the same, I’m being intentional from the start to take off the pressure of feeling like I have to be in the Word so I can check the day’s reading off the list and instead taking my time in the morning and/or evening to simply be in the Word because I want to have that time with God, because I want to grow in Him.

What does this mean? It means that if I oversleep or my day is taken over by life, I’m not going to spend four hours in one afternoon catching up on various days’ worth of content – I won’t take anything in if my intention is to stay on top of a schedule rather than to learn and understand what I’m reading.

Remember, it’s not a race. So if it takes me longer than a year to read the Bible, that is okay. Why? Because if it takes me longer than a year to read the Bible but I’m better versed in the Word, in God’s plan, and in the theology behind what I’m reading, I’ll be a better person because of it.

#2. Create a routine that works for you.

What time of the day are you the most engaged and, let’s be honest here, awake? For me, I love a quiet morning before everyone wakes up where I can be alone with a cup of tea and the Word. Something about that combination creates peace in my life and clears my head so I can focus on what’s in front of me.

Maybe for you it’s also in the morning but with music on in the background and your favorite candle lit! Or maybe it’s in the evening as you wind down for bedtime. Whatever it looks like, create a routine that is yours and gives you the space you need to be with God. It won’t always look perfect and the best part is it doesn’t have to!

#3. Invest in a study Bible.

One of my best friends was immediately insistent that I get a study Bible to have a more thorough understanding of what I’m reading and the background behind it.

She linked me this ESV Study Bible and, being a full six days into my study, I can tell you that this has been a fantastic purchase. The ESV Study Bible was designed in such a way that it makes understanding the Bible approachable. I’m not a theologian, I’m an average Joe! But by using my study Bible, I’ve already learned so much more than if I would have just done a reading plan with my everyday Bible. It includes study notes, colored-maps and illustrations, charts, timelines, and my favorite part, introductions to each Book of the Bible with a background and context.

#4. Choose a reading plan that breaks down the daily readings and offers a summary of what you’ve read.

There are a LOT of guides out there that offer year-long breakdowns but the one I chose was The Bible Recap: A One-Year Guide to Reading and Understanding the Entire Bible by Tara-Leigh Cobble, which follows a chronological Bible reading plan.

Fun Fact: you can access the recap on the Bible or Dwell apps and/or subscribe to The Bible Recap podcast or YouTube channel if you’re looking for a digital version to follow! But if you’re like me, and wanting to attempt to put all digital distractions aside, you can order the hardcover straight from Amazon.

This reading plan also uses the ESV translation of the Bible, so it pairs really well with my study Bible! The way it works is you read the day’s reading first (and any notes in your study Bible) and follow it up with the summary from The Bible Recap. It’s easy to follow and understand!

#5. Get some Bible highlighters and a new notebook.

For the note-taker and highlighter like me, this one’s for you! One of my best friends suggested purchasing no-bleed highlighters to make highlighting verses or study notes that really stick out to me easy. I purchased these from Amazon and for the price, they’re not bad! Some of the darker colors have bled through a *bit* but not enough that I feel like the purchase was a loss. I mean, 10 highlighters for $5.99? Count me in!

And finally, get a notebook for anything you want to immediately write down and remember or go back to later on! I’m all about a small notebook and have one that I solely use for my quiet time from Rifle Paper Co. but you can get something similar at TJMaxx, Target, or Walmart!

Do you have any other suggestions for me as I get deep into reading the Bible this year?

Ultimately, I want to gain a deeper understanding of the Lord, and if your Bible-reading tip helps me get there, I’m all ears.

If you’re embarking on a year-long adventure of reading the Bible, let me know! Also? We’ve got this! May it ultimately bring us closer to God.

Happy Friday, friends!