How to Read the Bible When You Don’t Know Where to Start

 

Simple ways to begin spending time in God’s Word—without pressure, perfection, or a complicated plan

For a long time, I wanted to read the Bible. I wanted to know what was inside and understand the words I heard pastors reading on Sundays.

I opened it and tried a few times, but I was never quite sure where to begin.

Should I start with Genesis and read straight through? Should I follow a Bible-reading plan? Should I study one book at a time? What if I read something and didn’t understand it?

The Bible is filled with history, poetry, prophecy, wisdom, letters, and the story of God’s relationship with His people. When I looked at all of it at once, it felt overwhelming.

Sometimes the pressure to read the Bible the “right” way made it harder to begin at all.

Maybe you’ve felt that way too.

In Episode 2 of the Life on the Path podcast, Brandi and I talk honestly about how to read the Bible when you don’t know where to start. We share some of our experiences with Scripture, the things that have helped us, and why reading the Bible doesn’t have to look the same for everyone.

Beginning Together

At one point, my husband, Mike, and I decided to begin a read, listen, or watch the Bible in a year plan together.

It felt tangible. We didn’t have to develop our own plan or figure everything out before we started. We simply had a place to begin.

We didn’t finish the plan together. Mike eventually paused while I kept going—and, true to form, sped ahead.

But beginning together still mattered.

For a time, Scripture became something we could experience together. We could talk about what stood out, ask questions, and share what we were learning.

We didn’t have to understand everything. We only had to begin.

There Isn’t Just One Right Way

Spending time in God’s Word doesn’t have to look the same for everyone—or even the same for you in every season.

Some people love sitting down with a physical Bible, a notebook, and several colored pens. I’m one of those people.

I also enjoy listening to Scripture while driving, walking, folding laundry, or taking care of things around the house.

You may prefer to read one chapter at a time. You may begin with only a few verses. You might follow a structured plan, listen through a Bible app, watch an explanatory video, or read alongside someone you love.

The method is not the most important part.

The important part is making room to hear from God and getting to know Him through the Word He gave us—our handbook for being human, if you will.

Where Should You Begin?

If you want to read the Bible but don’t know where to start, here are a few simple options.

Start with one of the Gospels

Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John tell us about the life, teachings, death, and resurrection of Jesus.

John is often recommended as a starting point because it clearly focuses on who Jesus is and what it means to believe in Him.

You don’t have to read an entire book in one sitting. Begin with a chapter—or even a few verses—and spend time thinking about what they show you about Jesus.

Read Psalms when you need help praying

The book of Psalms contains prayers and songs expressing praise, fear, grief, gratitude, anger, confusion, and hope.

If you’ve ever struggled to find the right words to say to God, Psalms can remind you that you can come to Him honestly.

Read Proverbs when you need practical wisdom

Proverbs offers wisdom about relationships, choices, work, speech, discipline, and everyday life.

Reading one chapter of Proverbs each day can be a simple way to begin developing a consistent habit.

Listen instead of reading

Listening to the Bible still counts.

That may sound obvious, but sometimes we create rules for ourselves that God never gave us.

If listening helps you understand, stay focused, or make room for Scripture during a busy season, use that tool. You can listen while following along in a physical Bible or simply allow the words to fill the ordinary spaces of your day.

Ask someone to join you

Reading or listening with another person can give you accountability and someone with whom to discuss your questions.

You don’t need to be a Bible expert to learn together. You can simply ask:

• What stood out to you?

• What does this passage teach us about God?

• Is there something here we can apply to our lives?

• What questions do we still have?

It’s okay not to have all the answers.

You Don’t Have to Understand Everything Immediately

You will probably encounter passages you don’t understand. I still do.

Understanding Scripture often grows slowly as we continue reading, listening, praying, studying, and returning to it.

You can write down your questions, look at the surrounding verses for context, use a trusted study Bible, or ask a pastor or mature Christian for help.

Not understanding something immediately doesn’t mean you’re failing. It means you’re learning.

God isn’t asking you to master the entire Bible before coming closer to Him. He is inviting you into a relationship.

Consistency Is Not the Same as Perfection

Missing a day does not mean you have to abandon your plan.

Neither does missing a week—or even longer.

You can begin again.

The goal is not to finish the Bible as quickly as possible, maintain a perfect streak, or check another task off your list. The goal is to know God more deeply and allow His truth to guide how you live.

God’s Word is not a test you have to pass.

Psalm 119:105 says:

“Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.” — Psalm 119:105 (NIV)

A lamp doesn’t usually illuminate the entire journey. It gives us enough light to see the next step.

For me, that can be frustrating. I want the whole path illuminated!

But often, God meets us in the next faithful step.

Open the Bible. Listen to one chapter. Read a few verses. Ask a question. Invite someone to join you.

You don’t have to see the whole path before you begin.

Listen to Episode 2 of Life on the Path

In Episode 2, How to Read the Bible When You Don’t Know Where to Start, Brandi and I continue this conversation and share encouragement for anyone who wants to know God through His Word but feels unsure about beginning.

🎧 Listen on Spotify: Episode 2 of Life on the Path

▶️ Watch or listen on YouTube: How to Read the Bible When You Don’t Know Where to Start

💻 Learn more: About the Podcast

If this episode encourages you, consider sharing it with someone who has been wanting to read the Bible but doesn’t know where to start.

You don’t have to have a perfect plan. Just take the next step.