From Discipline to Delight: My Bible Reading Journey

Reading the Bible isn’t just a Christian “checklist item”—it’s how we learn about who God is, how He wants us to live, and how we draw nearer to Him in our daily lives. It’s our source of truth, strength, and encouragement, especially in times of tribulation. It equips us to stand against the adversary and reminds us of the hope we have in Christ.

I haven’t always found it easy. There have been seasons where Bible reading felt more like a chore than a joy. But as I’ve grown in my walk with God, what began as discipline has slowly transformed into delight. Here’s a look into my personal Bible reading journey—and some habits that have helped me stay grounded in the Word.

Pray Before Reading

The Bible is a spiritual book, and spiritual truths can’t be understood without spiritual help. That’s why I always begin with prayer. Before I read even a single verse, I ask God to give me wisdom and understanding—to open my heart and mind to His truth.

As 1 Corinthians 2:14 reminds us, “The person without the Spirit does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God…” We need His Spirit to truly see.

Read Every Day

Daily Bible reading requires self-discipline—and self-discipline is a vital part of the Christian life. It’s not about legalism; it’s about love. It’s how I choose to prioritize my relationship with God.

Whether I’m working through a Bible study workbook, diving into a specific book or passage, or simply looking up verses to memorize or cross-reference, I try to be in the Word every single day. There are countless ways to study the Bible, and I like to keep it fresh by switching things up.

Read On-the-Go

Life gets busy. But I’ve learned that being “too busy for God” is a dangerous mindset. So I look for moments throughout my day—waiting in line, sitting in the car, taking a short break—and I turn to the Bible instead of distractions.

Apps like YouVersion make it easy to choose the Word over worldly entertainment. A few verses on my phone can change the tone of my day far more than another round of Candy Crush ever could.

Join a Bible Study Group

One of the best things I’ve done for my spiritual growth is joining a weekly Bible study group. Gathering with other believers to study Scripture provides insight and encouragement that I’d never get on my own. God speaks through community—and the accountability helps me stay consistent even when I feel spiritually dry.

As Proverbs 27:17 says, “As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.”

Listen with Audio Bibles

Sometimes reading isn’t possible—but listening always is. I use audio Bibles while I’m cleaning, driving, or winding down at night. It’s a simple yet powerful way to let the Word of God dwell richly in my heart throughout the day (Colossians 3:16).

Technology can either distract us or draw us closer to God. I’ve chosen to let it enhance my time with Him.

From Duty to Joy

Has every day been perfect? No. There are still days when life gets in the way. But having a Bible reading habit in place gives me a solid foundation. And slowly, over time, my heart has changed. What once felt like a discipline has become one of the greatest delights of my day.

Psalm 119:103 says, “How sweet are your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth!” That kind of love for God’s Word doesn’t happen overnight—but it does happen when we commit to spending time in Scripture regularly.

How About You?

What are your Bible reading habits? Do you have a plan? Are you stuck in a rut? Or are you thriving in the Word?

Take a moment today to pray about it. Ask God to ignite (or re-ignite) your desire for His Word. Whether you’re reading, listening, studying, or simply meditating on one verse, know that God meets you there.

Discipline may get you started, but delight is what will keep you going.