It’s February. You started strong in January… and then life happened.
If that’s you, here’s the first thing to remember: you didn’t fail God. You fell behind a schedule. A plan is a tool. It’s not a measure of your faith.
Some people see daily reading as a discipline not to be missed. Others see comprehension as the essential practice. Either way, the goal isn’t keeping a schedule or checking off boxes. The goal is to know the author of Scripture and grow in understanding what He has said.
Ken Walker collected a few helpful perspectives in his Christianity Today article, “Fall Off the Bible -in-a-Year Wagon?”:
Avoid the chore, study instead
“If a reading plan motivates you, use it,” [Bible Gateway General Manager Rachel Barach] said. “But if it becomes a chore that deters you from Scripture, use a devotional, study one book in depth, or just randomly open to a chapter. Give your time to God and let him bless you through his Word.”
Understand the big picture
Joel Scandrett, professor of historical theology at Trinity School for Ministry, said daily reading is a fundamental discipline dating to the early church. “The deep grasp of Scripture that this discipline provides is essential to Christian discipleship, and one-year Bible reading plans are a great way to achieve that,” he said.
“What matters most is not marking off a checklist or meeting a quota but grasping the overarching narrative of Scripture and how smaller stories fit within that,” said Kevin Scott, acquisitions editor for Wesleyan Publishing House.
That “big picture” point is why I feel the same tension with Scripture memorization. Memorizing words without understanding context can be misleading. For example, many can quote “perfect love drives out fear” (1 John 4:18), but few notice the context is God’s judgment. The point isn’t “believers will never feel afraid.” The point is we no longer need to fear the day of judgment.
So what should you do now?
Pick the next step that helps you understand Scripture, not just “catch up.”
- Option 1: Keep your plan and let it drift. Don’t binge-read to “get back on track.” Just read today’s portion and let yesterday stay yesterday.
- Option 2: Switch to a plan with more margin. Choose a 5-day-a-week plan, a shorter plan, or a plan that matches your season of life. Start here: How To Choose a Bible Reading Plan You Won’t Quit.
- Option 3: Pause the plan and study one book. Read a short New Testament letter (like Philippians) multiple times. Outline it. Ask: What is the author arguing? What problem is he addressing? What does this teach us about God?
- Option 4: If you’re dry, simplify. Read a smaller portion slowly. Reread it. Summarize it in your own words. Understanding beats volume.
New goal: improve your study skills
Keeping site of our goals — learning more about our God and using good Bible study methods — ought to inform our practices. I learn more about God through concentrated, in-depth Bible study than a daily “quiet time.” For others the “work” of Bible study leaves them dry and they learn more about God through daily Scripture meditations.
However you go forward, keep sight of the goal: growing in comprehension and understanding of Scripture, not completing a checklist.
Photo by Mike Tinnion on Unsplash
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