I’ve read Genesis and Exodus many times, perhaps more times than any other two books of the Bible.

While I’d love to say that’s because they’re my favorites, it’s actually because I’ve tried to “read the

Bible in a year” many times and lost steam somewhere in the desert. I’d go on vacation or have my

routine disrupted, miss a few days, and feel it wasn’t possible to catch up. Then I’d just give up. 

Last year as I was scrolling on Instagram, I found this quote from a fitness influencer: “The best exercise

plan is the one you’ll do.” So simple yet so true. While it might be better if I exercised five times per

week, if I plan on doing it but never actually DO it, it won’t improve my health at all. However, if I go for

a walk twice per week and play soccer once per week and continue doing that consistently, that’s going

to benefit me far more than any exercise plan I write up but never execute. I can apply the same

thought process when it comes to reading the Bible.

About two years ago, I discovered a Bible reading plan on the Bible app called “A Chapter a Day: Reading

the Bible in Three Years.” I thought it might be just what I needed. I love it. I’m two years in, and reading

just one chapter of the Bible per day has become something I can do consistently. If I miss a day, I can

read two chapters to catch up. 

I’ve come to realize there are many ways to study the Bible. Sometimes I like to listen to it on the Bible

app instead of reading it. Sometimes I think about one verse all day, pondering all its applications.

Sometimes I study the Bible with others. Sometimes I read an entire book of the Bible in one day. 

If your Bible reading plan has been difficult to stick to, maybe it’s time for a change in strategy. You

could read at a different time of day, listen to the Bible while you’re doing the dishes, or try a “Read the

Bible in Three Years” plan like I did. 

We’re at the beginning of the year when people often make New Year’s resolutions; so, if you’ve started

a “Bible in a year plan,” I certainly don’t want to discourage you. But if you’ve struggled with that or

whatever other Bible reading plan you’ve tried, it’s ok to try a new approach. Just make sure you’re

reading it in some way!

Your Word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path. (Psalm 119:105)

By Melissa Landon Schnell

Melissa is an editor at automation.com, a member of Immanuel Baptist Church, a cyclist, and a book

lover. She lives in Lexington with her husband Daykin, dog Zoey, and cat Scooter.