How Much Time Should I Set Aside To Read My Bible Each Day?

 

How much time should I set aside to read my Bible each day? This is a question we are asked often, second to how can I read the Bible and enjoy it?

Reading God’s Word gives you INFORMATION. But when we study God’s Word, we get REVELATION. As it is through this revelation that God begins to speak to us.

What Does It Mean To Study?

If we look at the definition of the word study according to dictionary.com it says: application of the mind to the acquisition of knowledge, as by reading, investigation, or reflection.

When we purpose to study God’s Word as opposed to simply read His Word, it will require us to slow down and read fewer verses. As this will help us to reflect on its meaning.

“But his delight and desire are in the law of the Lord, and on His law (the precepts, the instructions, the teachings of God) he habitually meditates (ponders and studies) by day and by night.” ~ Psalm 1:2 (AMPC)

The bottom line is studying His Word has no time barrier.

Define Time

How much time you allocate for Bible reading really depends on you and your schedule. The Bible never tells us how long to study, it only tells us to study. However, the Bible just tells us to study.

This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success. ~ Joshua 1:8 (NKJV)

God is not concerned with QUANTITY as much as He is concerned with the QUALITY of what you read and study.

Does It Matter How Many Verses I Read?

No! Remember we are not trying to simply read through God’s Word. We are purposing to reflect on His Word. That means we want to comprehend (understand) what we have studied. As a result, that will require us to take our time and make sure we understand the verse completely before moving on.

We see this far too many times, where people will move through the verses so quickly and take one verse out of context.  When we don’t take the time to understand what comes before or after a particular verse, it will leave us confused.

For example, we have heard many people say, please pray I get this bonus, so I can buy some things my family needs. Because God’s Word says He knows what I need, before I ask. Well, they are referring to Matthew 6:32.

However, if you actually read what the scriptures above and below that verse, this is what it says:

Matthew 6:24-33 (NKJV) says: 24 “No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or else he will be loyal to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon.

25 “Therefore I say to you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink; nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food and the body more than clothing? 26 Look at the birds of the air, for they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? 27 Which of you by worrying can add one cubit to his stature?

28 “So why do you worry about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin; 29 and yet I say to you that even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. 30 Now if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is, and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will He not much more clothe you, O you of little faith?

31 “Therefore do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ 32 For after all these things the Gentiles seek. For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. 33But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.”

Therefore, when we take into context the entire passage of what the scripture is really saying, yes God already knows what you need before you ask. But He expects you to seek Him first, His righteousness, and His ways of doing things, AND THEN you will have all that you need.

When you meditate on a few scriptures at a time, it will give your mind a chance to absorb the riches of God’s Word. In addition, it will allow the Holly Spirit to bring it to your remembrance when it is necessary to apply it to your everyday life.

 

Why Is It Important To Mediate On The Word?

To meditate on the Word means to dwell on it in thought. Roll it over in your mind and mutter it under your breath.

Meditating on the Word is important because it is your key to success in every area of your life. Psalms 1:1-3 reiterates the power of this meditation. The scripture tells us, our lives will be greatly prosperous, and fruitful. If we choose to ponder on God’s Word.

The Word of God (unchanging truth) will replace the enemy’s lies when we meditate on it; and set free from anything that holds us in bondage.

“But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord.” ~ 2 Corinthians 3:18 (NKJV)

Think about this verse for a moment. When we look in a mirror while getting ready in the morning, we might not like our appearance; but as we are getting ready, we frequently check the mirror to make sure we are ready for the day.

The Bible in essence is a mirror for our Spirit Man. Genesis 1 tells us that created in the image of God. Therefore, we’re to use our Bibles to see how we look.

When we read about who we are in Christ, it will convict our hearts to make adjustments.

How Long Will It Take To See Results

It takes 21 consecutive days of doing the same thing to create a new habit (so they say). Therefore, the challenge is for you to devote yourself to consistently studying God’s Word for at least 21-days straight. And remember these words…

“And He said to them, Be careful what you are hearing. The measure [of thought and study] you give [to the truth you hear] will be the measure [of virtue and knowledge] that comes back to you—and more [besides] will be given to you who hear.” ~ Mark 4:24 (AMPC)

With that said,  how much time will you set aside to read STUDY your Bible?

PS…If you want to learn HOW to prioritize your time with God in your everyday life check out our FREE eCourse Priority Living.

~ André and Timberley Gray