Let’s be honest: for most of my life, the Bible was just another book on the shelf—something I felt guilty about not reading, or something I skimmed for the “right answers” when life got hard. But somewhere along the way, that changed. The Bible stopped being background noise and started becoming something I actually craved. It became my food and drink. And I want that for you, too.
What’s Actually in the Bible?
People think the Bible is a rulebook, or maybe just a dusty collection of old stories. But if you really open it up, you’ll find poetry, heartbreak, wild hope, and people who are every bit as messed up and searching as we are. There’s raw honesty in the Psalms—people yelling at God, doubting, celebrating. There’s the grit and grace of stories about kings, prophets, fishermen, and outcasts. And, running through it all, there’s a God who keeps showing up, refusing to let go.
How to Read the Bible (So It Actually Feeds You)
Most of us read the Bible like we read a manual: looking for quick fixes or rules, then moving on. But the Bible isn’t meant to be digested that way. If you want it to feed you, you have to slow down and let it get under your skin.
- Read small. Take a short passage—maybe a Psalm or a story from the Gospels. Don’t try to finish a whole book in a week. You’re eating, not cramming for a test.
- Sit with it. Read it once. Read it again, slower. Notice what jumps out. Let the words linger.
- Ask honest questions. What confuses you? What challenges you? What gives you hope? Don’t be afraid to wrestle with the text.
- Pray your reaction. Whether you’re confused, moved, or even angry, talk to God about it. You don’t need fancy words.
- Write it down. Sometimes the act of journaling—scribbling down your thoughts and questions—makes things real in a way just reading never does.
- Try it out. Let one little truth or challenge from your reading shape your day. Maybe it’s forgiving someone. Maybe it’s reaching out to a friend. Maybe it’s just being honest with yourself.
Why “Food and Drink”?
Jesus once called himself the “bread of life.” He said his words were real food and real drink—the kind of nourishment that goes way beyond calories. The more I’ve read the Bible, the more I get what he meant. There are mornings when a verse gives me the courage to face the day. There are nights when a story reminds me I’m not alone. Sometimes I get a wake-up call. Sometimes I get comfort. Over time, it’s become less about “knowing things” and more about being changed from the inside out.
Try It For Yourself
You don’t have to be a Bible expert to start. You don’t have to read for hours or understand everything. Just start somewhere. Read a Psalm in the morning. Read a story about Jesus at lunch. Reflect on it as you go about your day. Let it mess with you a little, and see if it doesn’t end up feeding you in ways you never expected.
If you’re looking for something real, something that actually nourishes your soul, you might be surprised at what you find in these ancient pages. I know I was. And I’d love for you to taste and see for yourself.
A Bible Reading Plan for Beginners
If you’re not sure where to begin, here’s a simple reading plan that will help you get started without feeling overwhelmed. This plan gives you a taste of the Bible’s most approachable and eye-opening sections—places where a lot of us have found hope, honesty, and practical wisdom.
Week 1–2: The Life of Jesus (Gospel of Mark)
Start with Mark—it’s lively, direct, and gives a great picture of who Jesus is.
- Days 1–7: Read one chapter of Mark each day (16 chapters total; finish over two weeks).
Week 3: Honest Conversations with God (Psalms)
The Psalms are raw prayers—joy, frustration, gratitude, and doubt.
- Days 8–14: Read one Psalm each day (start with Psalms 1–7).
Week 4: Wisdom for Everyday Life (Proverbs)
Short, punchy advice for daily living.
- Days 15–21: Read one chapter of Proverbs each day (Proverbs 1–7).
Week 5: The Big Story (Genesis & Exodus Highlights)
A taste of the Bible’s opening chapters and key turning points.
- Days 22: Genesis 1
- Day 23: Genesis 2–3
- Day 24: Genesis 12
- Day 25: Genesis 22
- Day 26: Exodus 3
- Day 27: Exodus 14
- Day 28: Exodus 20
How to Use This Plan:
Read slowly. Linger on a line if it grabs you. Ask honest questions, and don’t be afraid to sit with what you don’t understand. Pray, even if it’s just, “God, help me see what you want me to see.” Write a line or two about what stands out.
The goal isn’t to get through the Bible. The goal is to let the Bible get through to you.
Keep showing up. You might just find it’s the best meal you’ve ever had.