You sit down with your Bible, ready to dig in, but suddenly a thought creeps in: Where do I even start? The Bible is big, it’s full of different kinds of books and writing styles, and the truth is… it can feel overwhelming. If you’ve ever felt stuck staring at the thin pages of your Bible, not knowing what to read, you’re not alone.
Every believer — no matter their stage of spiritual maturity — has struggled with this at some point. Sometimes it’s the new believer who isn’t sure how to navigate the Bible. Other times, it’s the seasoned Christian who has read many passages before but now finds themselves unsure of what to read next.
The good news? You don’t have to stay stuck. Let’s talk about how to open your Bible with confidence, clarity, and purpose.
Why the Bible Feels Overwhelming
One of the reasons so many people get stuck is that the Bible is a library, not just one book. Inside, you’ll find:
- Law – God’s commands and instructions (think Exodus, Leviticus, Deuteronomy).
- History – Narratives of God’s people and His faithfulness (Joshua, Kings, Chronicles, Acts).
- Poetry – Songs, prayers, and wisdom literature (Psalms, Proverbs, Song of Solomon).
- Prophecy – Writings that call God’s people back to Him and point forward to Christ (Isaiah, Jeremiah, Revelation).
- Gospels – The life, death, and resurrection of Jesus (Matthew, Mark, Luke, John).
- Letters – Practical teaching for the church (Romans through Jude).
Because the Bible is so diverse, people often freeze, wondering: Am I supposed to start at the beginning, like any other book? Should I start with Jesus? Should I read until something speaks to me?
The answer? There’s not just one right way.
Where Should I Start Reading?
Here are some simple places to begin, depending on where you are in life right now:
1. Start with Jesus (The Gospels)
If you’ve never read much of the Bible before, start by getting to know Jesus. He is the centerpiece of Scripture and the foundation of our faith. Try the Gospel of John if you’re brand new. John emphasizes who Jesus is and why He came. Or try Luke, which carefully tells the story of Jesus’ life and teachings.
2. Start with the Psalms
When life feels heavy, confusing, or overwhelming, the Psalms give us words to pray. They’re full of raw emotions: joy, sorrow, anger, thanksgiving, and hope. They remind us we can come honestly before God.
3. Start with Proverbs
If you’re looking for practical wisdom, Proverbs is a great place to land. It’s full of principles that teach you how to live wisely. An easy plan is to read one chapter a day that matches the day of the month. For example, on the 15th, read Proverbs 15.
4. Read According to What You’re Going Through
Feeling anxious? Read Philippians or the Psalms. Want to know Jesus better? Read John or Luke. Need guidance for daily Christian living? Read James or Ephesians.
5. Read What You’re Curious About
Is there a question on your mind or a topic you’ve always wanted to understand better? Follow that curiosity into the Word. Sometimes God uses our questions as a starting point for deeper faith.
How Do I Decide Where to Start?
The most important step is to pray first. Ask God to guide you as you open His Word. Psalm 119:18 is a simple prayer you can make your own: “Open my eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of your law.”
Other tips that help:
- Use a companion guide. A devotional, Bible reading plan, or study guide can give you structure.
- Don’t worry about reading it all at once. It doesn’t matter if you read the Bible in one year or ten years. What matters is that you read it consistently.
- Start small. Don’t try to read 10 chapters right away. Even a few verses meditated on deeply will feed your soul more than rushing through pages at a time.
How Should I Read?
Reading the Bible is different from scrolling through social media or breezing through a novel. It’s not about speed; it’s about meeting with God. Here are some ways to approach it:
1. Use a Method
A simple method like S.O.A.P. can help:
- S – Scripture (write down the verse).
- O – Observation (what stands out?).
- A – Application (how does this apply to my life?).
- P – Prayer (pray God’s truth back to Him).
2. Ask Questions as You Read
- What does this passage teach me about God?
- What does it teach me about people?
- What command, promise, or warning is here?
3. Take Your Time
Meditating on one verse for 30 minutes is better than skimming three chapters you won’t remember. Let Scripture sink in, not just pass by.
4. Listen for the Holy Spirit
Be open to conviction, encouragement, and even warning. God uses His Word to shape our hearts and lives.
If You’re Feeling Overwhelmed, Remember…
You don’t have to be a seminary student to meet God in His Word. You don’t need advanced study skills or a stack of commentaries. What God honors most is your heart of obedience and your desire to draw near to Him.
Consistency is more important than quantity. A little bit every day is better than a lot once in a while.
Start taking small steps. Even opening your Bible for 5 minutes with a humble heart is powerful.
Don’t let fear keep you from starting. Just pick one book, one chapter, one verse — and begin.
Try this: pick one book of the Bible this week, read just a few verses each day, and jot down your reflections in a journal.
The Big Picture
Reading the Bible isn’t about checking off boxes or rushing to the finish line. It’s about cultivating a relationship with God. The Bible is His Word, and through it, He speaks to His people.
Check out our website for books and resources, blog posts, and podcasts to help you grow in your study and reading time. We love to equip you with tools to meet God in His Word!
The Most Important Step
We’ve talked about where to start when reading the Bible. But here’s the key: before you can really understand and love God’s Word, you need a relationship with the Author.
The Bible isn’t just words on a page. It’s God’s living message to His people. And maybe as you’ve been reading, you’ve realized you don’t yet have that personal relationship with Jesus.
Here’s the good news: God loves you. Romans 5:8 says, “But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” He invites you into a relationship today.
You don’t have to clean yourself up first. You don’t have to figure everything out. Come to Him in faith. Admit your need for Him, believe in Jesus as Savior, and confess Him as Lord.
When you open your Bible, you’re not just turning pages — you’re opening your heart to hear from the God who created you, loves you, and longs to meet with you.
So don’t wait for the perfect plan. Don’t wait until you feel “ready.” Just start. Because every time you open the Bible, God is ready to meet with you.
Pick up your Bible today, and discover the joy of being rooted in His Word and known by the One who wrote it.