What’s Wrong With Reading the Bible in a Year?

What’s Wrong with Reading the Bible in a Year?

I’m not a “read the Bible in a year” girl.

I’ve tried. Really tried.

But time and time again, I lose my place, get distracted, want to skip to something else in the Bible, or somehow fall off the plan completely.

And I used to get really down on myself for that.

I’ll do better, I’d tell myself.

I’d make goals. Sign up for plans. Start over again.

And for a while, I would.

Until I didn’t.

Then I’d fall behind, feel guilty, and wonder why something as good as reading Scripture could make me feel so discouraged.

Eventually, I stopped trying to force it. I stopped trying to read the Bible in a year.

What I have found works for me is not sticking to a daily reading plan. 

But sitting in Scripture.

Not rushing through it.
Not trying to catch up.
Not reading just so I can say I finished the day’s chapters.

But slowing down enough to actually notice what God is saying.

Sometimes that means reading one passage for several days. Sometimes it means sitting with one verse because it keeps speaking to something in my life. Sometimes it means starting in one place and then following another thread in Scripture because that is where my heart is being pulled.

And for me, that has been so much more life-giving.

There is nothing wrong with reading the Bible in a year. For some people, it works. It gives structure, consistency, and a clear path through Scripture.

But that has not been my experience.

For me, the goal cannot be just to get through the Word.

I need to live in it.

I need space to wrestle with it, pray through it, write it down, and let it shape how I think, respond, and live.

That is why we love Scripture reflection at Heartstance.

It gives room for the Word to do more than pass through your eyes.

It gives room for the Word to reach your heart.

To comfort you.
Correct you.
Lead you.
Heal you.
And form you.

For me, that is the difference.

I do not want to just finish the assigned chapters.

I want to notice what God is highlighting.

I want to slow down when something speaks to me.

I want to carry the Word with me, not just check it off a list.

And please do not hear what I am not saying.

If reading the Bible in a year works for you, keep doing it.

But if it does not work for you, you are no less Christian. 

You may just need another approach.

Not another plan.

Another approach.

Because spending time with God matters.

Letting His Word shape you matters.

But the way that happens may look different for each of us.

So find the rhythm that helps you stay with Scripture.

Find the rhythm that helps you hear God clearly.

Find the rhythm that helps you live in the Word—

and let the Word live in you.

If reading plans have left you feeling behind and you want a different way to engage Scripture, this reflection guide walks you through how to sit with the Word.