How to study the Bible consistently: 4 hacks from YouVersion

Person studying the Bible

The start of a new year brings many possibilities, which makes it the perfect time to create new Bible reading habits. But, busy schedules, family obligations, and conflicting priorities can make studying Scripture feel challenging at times.

Thankfully, there are steps you can take toward consistently reading God’s Word.

Here are 4 Bible habit hacks you can do with YouVersion:

1. Make it stick

The easiest way to create a new habit is by linking it to something you already do consistently. So if the first thing you do in the morning is reach for your phone, try reflecting on YouVersion’s Verse of the Day. When you combine a new habit with an already established one, it gives your new habit more “stickiness.”

Tip: Make YouVersion the first app you see, and get instant access to the Verse of the Day, by enabling the Verse of the Day widget on your phone. Learn how to enable widgets here.

2. Make it automatic

The best way to build a habit is just to start. And as you get started, don’t focus on the amount of time you’re reading or listening to Scripture, just focus on doing it regularly. Once you complete two days in a row, go for three. Once you complete three days, try for five, and keep going until you’ve built a Bible streak.

If you’re starting to build a consistent Bible habit, pick a time to study that works for you, and set up daily reminders to spend time in God’s Word.

Tip: Keep up your momentum by viewing your Bible streak on your YouVersion Home Feed. You can also set up Plan, Prayer, and Verse of the Day Reminders here.

3. Stay connected

You’re more likely to keep studying your Bible if you do it alongside someone who cares about your spiritual growth.

Plans with Friends offers a simple, easy way to make sure you continue building your Bible study habit.

There are thousands of Plans in YouVersion, so simply pick a Plan that interests you, and start it with Friends. At the end of each Plan day, you’ll be given a space to chat with your Friends about what you discovered.

Tip: You can do a Plan with anybody! Simply share a Plan link on social media, or share a Plan with someone within the app. Get started by choosing a Plan, and follow the prompts to invite Friends to join you.

4. Make it feel new

Sometimes, the reason we get in a Bible reading rut is because what we’re doing feels too familiar. Switch up how you engage with the Bible.

If you typically read Scripture, try listening to an audio Bible. If you tend to study Scripture in one specific version, switch to a different version for a month and see if anything new stands out to you. Or, try reading in a new order to gain a fresh perspective.

Tips: To easily compare Bible versions, tap a verse, and then select the ”Compare” button that appears. And, you can listen to any portion of Scripture with audio Bibles.

Making the Bible a part of your everyday life doesn’t have to be daunting—and thankfully, we don’t have to do it alone. God loves to come alongside us to encourage and empower us by renewing and transforming our minds. He reveals Himself to anyone searching for Him.

The more you build your habits, the easier it becomes to recognize God’s voice and understand what His will truly is.

As you commit to studying Scripture regularly, remember that the God who created you can also enable you to break through the resistance that holds you back, so that you can consistently engage with His living and active Word.

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