Find Motivation to Read the Bible

How do you find motivation to read the Bible?

"Easy. Open the Bible and start reading." See, it was simple after all!

Do individuals like the one above drive you crazy?

For a few, this is their reality, and they will skip over this blog post because finding motivation to read the Bible is not a problem for them; exercising might be their Achilles’ heel -- a helpless challenge. Whether it’s exercising or reading the Bible, the key in both cases is motivation.

In Scott Geller’s Ted Talk “The Psychology of Self-motivation,” he identifies three questions each person needs to answer “yes” to, or they will not be motivated.

1. Can you do it?

2. Will it work?

3. Is it worth it?

I recommend listening to Scott’s complete talk on motivation >

So how can we apply these three questions to Bible reading?

Can You Do It?

What training or knowledge do you need to begin reading the Bible?

The number one skill to have is the ability to read.

This may sound obvious, but consider 749 million adults, or 14%, of the world population cannot read. If you are taking the time to read this, then you have everything you need to begin reading the Bible.

Christianbook.com provides the translation grade levels for common Bible versions. For example, the KJV and RSV have a grade 12 reading level, while the ESV has a grade 10 level, with NIV and CEB having a grade 7 reading level, and GW and the Message having a grade 5 reading level.

Do you need to know a lot of Bible facts before you begin reading? No. You will naturally gain knowledge in the process of reading. It’s actually better if you approach Bible reading without assumptions because you’re hearing God’s Word rather than proof-texting what you already believe the Bible to say.

Will you be able to understand what you're reading in the Bible? Yes, and no. The beauty of God’s Word is its scope. God has communicated His Word through numerous authors who have been inspired to write. They have differing backgrounds and perspectives, but God has communicated His truths through them. There is bound to be something in the Bible which will grab your attention, and if you dip in and take the time to read, you may be surprised at how God will begin to speak to you through His Word.

Keep this point in mind because I will raise it again during the third question. But first, how can I do it?

How Will it Work?

How will it work? How can you find motivation to read the Bible?

1. Choose a Plan

Phil Robertson of Duck Dynasty fame recommended starting by reading the last two chapters of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. These chapters, for Phil, were central to the Gospel because they fulfilled God’s Old Testament promises and the New Testament’s call to make disciples.

Or there are multiple Bible reading plans, either high-tech or low-tech, depending on your preference.

The high-tech option is to download an app today and select a plan that the app has available. Some free options include:

Blue Letter Bible App

• 8 different reading plans – but the plans, as far as I know, begin January 1st of each year. So if you begin in October, then you begin reading in the middle of the Bible, rather than in Genesis.

• The app supports different Bible versions.

You Version Bible App

• Most popular Bible app with a multitude of reading plans to choose from.

• Supports multiple versions with an audio option.

• You can add friends and follow people. Great for churches, Bible studies, and friends to read the Bible together and hold each other accountable.

Logos

• Customize your reading plan and start date.

• Provides additional book content for purchase.

• Excellent for study and a great resource.

• The free version is solid, but other options are available at a premium price.

2. Choose a Method

Keep track of what you have completed with a journal. It’s low-tech but allows you to track your progress and recheck later for new insights or observations.

I use a leather journal and a fountain pen for my prayer time and Bible reading. I write down the day’s Scripture at the top of the page and add any comments or questions I might have from the reading. I also include prayer notes, names, organizations, etc. I’m praying for, and will also include additional notes from Scripture I’m following up on from that day or other days when something clicks in my mind. Years ago, someone remarked that if you treat something as important and of value, then you are more likely to follow through with it. That’s when I started using a leather journal and a nice fountain pen to make Bible reading and prayer time an event—an occasion.

Whatever method you choose, make an effort to read all of the Bible over time to gain the proper perspective of what God has done in history. Focusing on a single verse is good, but aim to read the whole Bible.

Some methods for Bible reading include:

• SOAP method - Scripture, Observation, Application, and Prayer.

  
  

• Listen to the Bible online. Different narrators add variety.

  
  

• Big Picture method – read to capture the big ideas of chapters and books, summarizing them in your journal. Reading large chunks helps you see God’s overall plan.

  
  

• Inductive method – answer the basic reporter questions: Who, What, When, Where, Why, and How.

  
  

• Text method

  
  

• Talk to God before reading

  
  

• Encounter God – what does this text say about God and humanity?

  
  

• Examine your heart

  
  

• Talk to God, thanking Him

  
  

• Read the Bible aloud – the Bible was read in the Synagogue each Sabbath for a reason. People need to hear the Word of God. This is probably the most important method other than trying to understand the Big Picture of God’s Word.

There are other methods to study a topic, a verse, a character, or even specific words, but the emphasis here is on reading the Bible.

Is it Worth It?

Yes! It’s worth it. But it requires commitment and time. If you put in the time, then you can expect the following:

• Increased comprehension. With reading comes familiarity. Bible passages will start making sense because your brain is processing what you’ve read. If you read widely, all the books of the Bible, you will discover patterns, connections, and begin interpreting Scripture with Scripture.

  
  

• Retention of what was read. Passages and stories will come to mind because you are familiar with the material. Bible study requires you to read, reread, and reread the passage again and again.

  
  

• Increased confidence. Daily Bible reading becomes the norm. Scripture comes to mind in conversations because you had read it that day. You know you completed the reading, and it’s one more check mark in the to-do list.

  
  

• Aha moments. The first time something clicks in your brain about a passage because you’ve read another passage, and that passage illuminates the passage you’re currently reading, is the “aha” moment. The Holy Spirit aids our understanding and helps us recall what we have read. “26But the Comforter, even the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all that I said unto you.”

  
  

• Know God’s Mind. Studying God’s Word will naturally draw you closer to God, and you will begin to understand God’s perspective and His will because you meditate on His Word. This is at the heart of Psalm 119:160. “160The sum of thy word is truth;

  
  

• And every one of thy righteous ordinances endureth for ever.”

There is a rich and fruitful spiritual life for anyone who takes the first step to read the Bible daily.