Bible Reading Simplified

(Consolidated from Chapter 2: God’s Foundational Truth for the New Believer)

Have you tried reading God’s Word only to give up because it did not make sense? Many times, I attempted to understand the Bible, only to get frustrated and admit defeat. No matter how badly I wanted to, I could not comprehend it. Before I truly dedicated my life to Christ, I never made it beyond the first chapters of Genesis (the Bible's first book). Fortunately, there are several things you can do to make the most of your Bible study time.

Find a Version You Understand

First, find a version you understand. There are many versions of God’s Word to suit any level of comprehension.

Below are five versions of Colossians 2:6–7 (the Book of Colossians, second chapter, verses 6 and 7):

As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him: Rooted and built up in him, and stablished in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving. — King James Version

As you therefore have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him, rooted and built up in Him and established in the faith, as you have been taught, abounding in it with thanksgiving. — New King James Version

Therefore, as you have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him, having been firmly rooted and now being built up in Him and established in your faith, just as you were instructed, and overflowing with gratitude. — New American Standard

And now, just as you accepted Christ Jesus as your Lord, you must continue to follow him. Let your roots grow down into him, and let your lives be built on him. Then your faith will grow strong in the truth you were taught, and you will overflow with thankfulness. — New Living Translation

My counsel for you is simple and straightforward: Just go ahead with what you’ve been given. You received Christ Jesus, the Master; now live him. You’re deeply rooted in him. You’re well-constructed upon him. You know your way around the faith. Now do what you’ve been taught. School’s out; quit studying the subject and start living it! And let your living spill over into thanksgiving. — The Message

These Scriptures, although the same verse, range in comprehension from seventeenth-century play to modern, plain language. Which version did you understand best? And there are more options other than the ones mentioned above. Find and invest in a Bible you understand. Eventually, with growth, I recommend using more than one version to enhance your studies.

Form the Habit

Form the habit. Period. Only you can make getting God’s Word into you as routine as brushing your teeth or making coffee. Do so by reading your Bible regularly. Initially, allow yourself flexibility. Whether you read your Bible for five minutes or five hours, you still receive spiritual growth. Find your pace and make a daily effort. If you miss a day or two, give yourself a break. Just don’t stay away for too long.

Utilize a Reading Plan

Once you find a version you understand and form the habit of daily reading, consider using a Bible reading plan. Reading plans vary vastly from the typical “read the Bible in a year” to plans slated toward specialized topics, such as prayer, Christian history, forgiveness, recovery, and finances, just to name a few. Plans can be chronological, historical, or linked to specific events in the Bible. Reading plans come in different formats, from paper to apps. Plans vary in length, making them convenient and adaptable to your needs and schedule. Some can be completed in a few days, while others can last a year or longer. There are so many options that finding a reading plan to fit your specific interests and schedule should not be difficult.

I cannot stress enough how life-changing daily Bible reading will be to your spiritual growth. And please, if there are dust bunnies on top of your Bible, wipe them off and get back into the Word. Do not let guilt keep you from coming back to godly basics. God is not mad at you even though you have been away.