by Leah Stirewalt

We are well into 2026 now. Most of us have possibly abandoned some of the goals we
set for 2026 already.

It’s okay!

Perhaps they weren’t goals we should have been trying to achieve to begin with. There is one thing, however, I do with sincere intention each year and have for a couple decades. I read through the entire Bible.

Have I always been consistent with it? No, but even on the years in which I might have missed more days than I should have and had to play “catch up” later, I still managed to complete it by
year’s end.

Most Christians want to be consistent with daily Bible study. We believe God speaks
through His Word, and we genuinely want to spend time in Scripture. And yet—life
happens. Busy schedules, exhaustion, distractions, and suddenly days (or weeks) slip
by. If that’s you, take a deep breath. Consistent Bible reading isn’t about discipline
alone—it’s about building simple, grace-filled habits that fit your real life.

Redefine What “Consistency” Looks Like

One of the biggest reasons daily Bible study feels hard is we often have unrealistic
expectations. We picture consistency as long, uninterrupted quiet time with journaling,
commentaries, and perfectly focused prayer. When that’s not possible, we quit
altogether.

But consistency doesn’t mean perfection—it means returning. Jesus praised
faithfulness in small things (Luke 16:10), and five minutes in Scripture every day matters
more than an ambitious plan you abandon after a week. Small, steady habits add up.

Pick a Time You’ll Actually Stick With

There’s nothing especially holy about early mornings—unless that’s when you function
best. For some people, mornings work great. For others, Bible study fits better during
lunch, after school pickup, or before bed.

Ask yourself honestly: When am I most likely to open my Bible without resentment or
rushing? That’s your time. Even Jesus intentionally stepped away to spend time with the
Father (Mark 1:35), showing us that spiritual growth requires intention—but not
legalism.

Make Daily Bible Study Easy to Start

Good Bible study habits thrive when there’s less friction. Keep your Bible somewhere
visible. Use a simple reading plan so you’re not deciding what to read every day. If
you’re starting fresh, the Gospels or Psalms are great places to begin.

You can also connect Bible reading to an existing habit—like reading while drinking your
morning coffee or winding down at night. When Bible study becomes part of your
routine instead of an extra task, consistency comes more naturally.

Focus on Engagement, Not Just Reading More

Daily Bible study isn’t about checking a box. Scripture is meant to shape us, not just be
completed (2 Timothy 3:16–17). Instead of worrying about how much you read, slow
down and engage.
Try asking one simple question: What does this passage show me about God? Even a
single verse, thoughtfully considered, can speak powerfully into your day.

Expect Disruptions—and Choose Grace

You will miss days. That doesn’t mean you’ve failed. Life has seasons, and God’s mercy
meets us in all of them. When your routine gets disrupted, don’t quit—just start again.
This one simple act is what finally allowed me to develop this consistent habit for the
long haul. You don’t even have to wait until next year to start again. You can do it right
now.

Lamentations 3:22–23 reminds us that God’s mercies are new every morning. Your
Bible study habit can reflect that same grace.

At the heart of consistent Bible reading isn’t discipline—it’s relationship. We open God’s
Word to know Him, to be shaped by truth, and to grow in faith.

Start where you are, keep it simple, and trust that God honors faithful steps—even small ones.