How to Make Scripture a Part of Your Daily Life

It's a new year, and many of us have set goals to spend more time studying Scripture. It's one thing to set a goal—and a lot of work and commitment to make it a reality. So, if establishing a habit of reading the Bible is one of your 2022 resolutions, here are a few tools we've found helpful in our own spiritual journeys (which are full of fits and starts). It's not about perfection; it's about a deepening relationship with God.

Make a plan.

To develop a habit of dwelling on Scripture—whether that's daily or weekly—it helps to have a plan for what you're going to read and when you're going to do it. Even if it's just five minutes (remember: this isn't a checklist!) or longer, find some time in your schedule when you can give Scripture your wholehearted attention. If you're unsure where to start your study, perhaps pick a book of the Bible (we'd suggest the Gospel of John) or a reading plan (try Blue Letter Bible). Another favorite of ours is The Bible Recap, which offers plans in the YouVersion Bible app, and also outlines a one-year reading plan in a newly released book, available here. If it takes you longer than a year to read through the plan, that's OK! Go at your own pace. The goal is to meditate on God's Word and grow closer to Him, not to simply race through the verses so you can count them as done. Also, make plans to join us on March 2 when The Bookery launches All the Broken Things, our Lent 2022 reading plan.

Engage.

To spend time meditating on God's Word, you have to find what works for you, whether that's listening to the Bible as you fold laundry or writing out key verses or even entire books of the Bible in your journal. Maybe it's walking through a particular biblical theme or book with a podcast, such as The Bible Recap or Knowing Faith. Maybe it's a short reading from the Bible each night with your kids before bed or a few moments alone with your coffee before everyone else wakes up. The goal is to find a routine that works for you and to make Scripture a part of your daily life.

Abide.

As we've said before, at The Bookery, we're interested in abiding with Jesus and letting Scripture change our hearts (and in turn our minds and actions) rather than simply completing a homework assignment. To abide, you have to stay connected—which for us can often look like returning again and again to God in our brokenness and asking Him to guide us by His Spirit. When you fall short of your goal, let busyness distract you from dwelling on God's Word or feel overwhelmed, broken or forgotten by God, choose again to abide. Trust the Spirit to strengthen your "weak hands and make firm your feeble knees." He is faithful. Don't make your resolution into homework; instead, rest in the relationship you have with Jesus and seek to know Him more.