Tips for Reading the Bible When You Don’t Know Where To Start.

I was in a deep valley. Heartsick, crushed, and terrified. Fortunately, I had enough sense to know that I needed to turn to Christ and His Word. However, I was clueless about where to start. As a result, I sat in my closest friend’s office, balling my eyes out. “How can I have gone to church my entire life and have no idea how to read the Bible,” I sobbed. Making an ugly crying face, complete with snot running out of my nose, I asked, “do I start at the beginning? Maybe starting with the New Testament is a good idea? How about a random page somewhere in the middle? I knew tossing my Bible up in the air and reading whatever page it landed on was a terrible idea, but I’d be lying if I said I didn’t consider it.

I managed to stumble blindly through that dark time. However, I swore the next time one of life’s curveballs smacked me in the face; I would be better prepared. I would have a plan that did not include launching my Bible into the air.

Disclaimer: I am not a Biblical scholar. Also, I’m the first to admit that reading the Bible can be intimidating. Oh, and writing about it is even more daunting—honestly, it’s the scariest thing I’ve ever done.

Nevertheless, reading the Bible is too meaningful and far too rewarding just to let go, and the writing keeps me accountable. However, I have to work at it. Sometimes, I have to read and reread the verses, but I keep at it. Other times, the Holy Spirit speaks so clearly that it makes me laugh at how clever and clear the scripture can be.

By the way, there is nothing shameful about being unsure where to start. Not trying and missing out on this incredible gift would be tragic because the Lord delights in our desire and efforts to know Him. Psalm 147:11.

By the way, there is nothing shameful about being unsure where to start. Not trying and missing out on this incredible gift would be tragic because the Lord delights in our desire and efforts to know Him. Psalm 147:11 Click To Tweet 

Tips for Reading the Bible When You Don’t Know Where to Start.

Prayer

Frankly, prayer is always a good idea in any situation, especially before reading the Word. 1 Thessalonians 5:17. You can’t go wrong with opening the lines of Godly communication with a quick prayer for understanding, an open heart, and a mind ready to receive God’s direction. Psalm 119:125 (NIV).

Something along the lines of, Heavenly Father, guide me. Open my eyes to see all the wonderful things in your Word. Free me from all distractions. Give me a teachable heart and a mind ready to receive and understand your loving instruction. Amen.

Compare Different Translations

I’m sure King James was a swell guy, but for the most part, mine orbs doest not comprehend nor speaketh thine majesty’s exhortation. While the King James version remains a popular staple of hotel rooms and doctors’ offices, it’s not the only translation out there. The Scarlet Cords generally uses the New International Version (NIV); however, the English Standard Version (ESV) is also user friendly.

An easy and cost-effective option is to download a Bible app like the “Holy Bible” by Life Church. Searching verses and comparing them in other translations is easy. Many Bible apps also include audio versions, daily Bible verses, and devotionals; several Bible apps are free. Along those same lines, Kindle offers eBook Bibles for less than $10.

However, if you’re like me, you prefer paper. An app is still a great option to help you decide which translation is best for you, and the app’s one-stop multi-version provides an excellent back up when you’re struggling with a particular passage.

Consider Investing in a Study Bible

Sometimes getting a historical perspective can be extremely helpful when studying the Bible. A study Bible will give information about the author of each book, landmarks, and sources for comparison. Study Bibles also include an index, which makes searching for a specific word or topic easier. Naturally, that extra info can make study Bibles bulky and a tad heavy.

If the added bulk is a no-go, consider a student Bible. Student Bibles can be smaller, but still contain additional commentary and reference materials. Student Bibles may be described as being geared towards High School and College students. Who cares? The information remains helpful.

Bonus: a study Bible can give you a leg up on Biblical categories during trivia night. I’ll take “Books of the Bible” for $400, Alex. Just kidding, I don’t have the books of the Bible memorized.

How are you feeling? Start there.

Hopefully, it’s not a dark time that brings you to the Word, but if it is, that’s fantastic too. Either way, one place to start is precisely where you are. Psalm 18:6. Feeling joyful, anxious, tired, frightened? There is a verse for that. Spend time reading Scriptures that deal with the issues that brought you to The Book in the first place.

Finding the verses you need.

If your Bible has an index, start there. If not, head on over to Google or my personal favorite, Pinterest. Ain’t no shame in a little online research. Just type “Bible verses about __________” in either of these search engines, and you will be greeted with resources aplenty. However, it’s always a good idea to double-check what you find online with the actual Bible. Believe it or not, not everything on the internet is accurate.

In fact, trustworthiness is everything when it comes to studying the Bible. That’s why there is a link to each verse of Scripture cited in The Scarlet Cords. Just hover over the Biblical reference, and a pop-up of the verse will appear without redirecting you off the page. Go ahead, give it a whirl. John3:16.

Go back to the classics.

Noah’s Ark, Daniel in the Lion’s Den, Jonah and the Great Fish. Go back and read some of the stories you may have heard as a child. What do you think of these stories now that you’re an adult?

For instance, I’m not sure my neighborhood homeowners’ association would appreciate me building an enormous Ark in my front yard. We’re not even allowed to have chickens, much less two of every animal. Would I have had the confidence and obedience of Noah? Would I ever want to eat seafood again after being in the belly of a whale?

While these stories may have been introduced to us as children, our perspective changes. We can see the strength, faith, and courage these people displayed. Hebrews 11.

Set Small Goals

Start slow. There’s no reason to try to consume huge chunks at a time. A few verses a day is plenty when you take the time to read, analyze, consider, and ask how it speaks to you. Take a verse or a few verses and commit to them for one week.

Romans 12:9-13 keeps me busy for days when I hold up God’s instruction to how I’m living my life:

“Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what’s good. Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves. Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.”

Check out a Bible Study

During this time of building our Biblical confidence, a guided Bible study can be a great place to start or a place to explore new areas. Organizations like Right Now Media, Proverbs31.org, and She Reads Truth has daily devotionals and bible study resources galore.

There is no limit to the types of Bible studies available. There are studies that focus on one book of the Bible, studies for women, studies for men, studies for students, and on and on. Check out Scarlet’s library for a list of studies and book recommendations.

Phone a Friend

Grab a friend, head out for coffee, and ask for their favorite verse, study, or topic. Better yet, grab a few more friends and make it a party!

Don’t worry. This isn’t something else to add to your already packed schedule. Sometimes all it takes is a weekly text with a short note sharing a scripture, whatever fits your goals and schedule.

Your Name Here

The Scriptures were written for us. To teach, encourage, strengthen, and give us hope. Romans 15:4. 2 Timothy 3:16. The Bible is personal to us. Each chapter and verse was written with us in mind. Jeremiah 1:5.

It’s easy to forget that the Bible is more than a historical account. It is a present and current voice. Hebrews 4:12. With that in mind, put your name in the verse and see how powerful the Scripture becomes.

For example, Hebrews 4:16: [Scarlet], approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so [you] may receive mercy and find grace to help [you] in [your] time of need.

Pray. Again.

I know what you’re thinking. Scarlet, you already said prayer. True, but there is no such thing as too much prayer. 1 Thessalonians 5:17. Start with prayer and end with prayer.

Maybe something like this: Heavenly Father, thank you for Your Word. Renew in me each day a desire to learn more. Continue to grow my faith through your message, and show me the ways to apply Your Word in my daily life. Amen.

There is simply no substitute for reading the Word of God, and the best part is we don’t have to have to be Biblical scholars. We can do this! Now, blow off the dust and get in there.

What is your best tip for reading the Bible? Do you have a favorite Bible Study? Leave a comment. Scarlet would love to hear it!

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