Many people want to study the Bible but do not know where to begin. They feel overwhelmed by the size of the book and the depth of its content. They want to dive in and drink of God’s Word, but the vast sea of information engulfs them. 

Other people enjoy reading the Bible but want spoon-feeding from the thousands of available Bible studies, books and commentaries. We become so dependent on other people’s interpretation of God’s Word that we get lost on our own journey for His truth.

If you struggle with reading the Bible, whether from inexperience or information overload, take a few minutes to get back to the basics. First, ask yourself, “Why do I want to read the Bible?”

Paul tells his young protégé, Timothy, “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.” (2 Tim 3:16-17, NIV)

“God-breathed” means God supernaturally inspired the writers such as Moses, David and Paul, to name a few. We believe what the Bible says because it is God’s ordained Word, not the opinion of mortal man.

Second, Paul assures us that God’s Word is “useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness.” The Bible provides practical and spiritual answers to many of life’s questions. It teaches us how to instruct others and how to handle conflicts. More importantly, it teaches us how to live in a God-honoring way. 

Finally, God’s Word equips us “for every good work.” Do you ever ask yourself, “What is my purpose in life? Why am I here? How can I make an impact in the world?” Our God is not a God who conceals, but a God who reveals. When we seek Him through His Word, He reveals His plan for our lives and His desire for our future.

People often ask, “How often should I read the Bible?” My response is, “How often do you eat?” Food provides physical nourishment, and the Bible provides spiritual nourishment. 

Consider this: What if you ate at your favorite restaurant every Sunday and gorged yourself at the buffet like a camel loading its hump? Your stomach would feel full — very full. Although you wanted that food to fuel your body all week, reality would set in Monday morning. You would wake up hungry, ready to eat again. If you refused to eat, thinking the huge buffet meal should last you until the next Sunday, you’d find yourself depleted as the day progressed.

The same rule applies to reading God’s Word. Many people attend church on Sunday thinking the spiritual feeding they receive should last them until the next Sunday. Yet realistically, we need spiritual refueling every day, just as our physical bodies demand food. Whether we spend one hour or 10 minutes reading God’s Word, He wants our hearts to be fully devoted to Him during that time.

People also ask, “When should I study my Bible?” Consider your internal clock. Whether you’re a night owl or an early bird, choose the time when you are most focused and alert, ready to devote yourself to God.

“Where should I study my Bible?” Jesus spent time with His Father in solitude (Mt 6:6, MSG). Does this mean people disobey Jesus when they study the Word at restaurants or coffee shops? Not at all. Jesus simply desires for us to have pure hearts and motivation, not to seek public shows of spirituality. 

Finally, people ask, “How do I study the Bible? Where do I begin?” Here are a few options:

If you want to read the entire Bible, you might consider one of the various one-year Bibles. This takes the guesswork out of what or how much to read each day. For a more inexpensive alternative, see

www.oneyearbibleonline.com. This Web site provides a weekly reading schedule based on your individual start date. Each day’s reading takes approximately 15 minutes. 

Anne Graham Lotz, who recently visited Waco with the “Just Give Me Jesus” revival, recommends a three-question form of Bible study. Start with any book or passage of Scripture. Don’t read the entire chapter, just focus on a few verses. Ask yourself three questions:

 • What does God’s Word say? — List the most outstanding facts for each verse you read.

 • What does God’s Word mean? — Draw a spiritual lesson or principle from the facts you listed.

 • What is God’s Word saying to me? — Turn the spiritual lessons into questions as you seek God’s personal application for your life.

For more information on this method of personal Bible study, visit www.annegrahamlotz.com. Her Web site contains a free, online Bible study workshop called “Learning to Hear His Voice” in which she teaches people how to study God’s Word.

As we begin 2010, consider making it your New Year’s resolution to dive into the Bible. Your life will be fuller and richer with each word.

Elizabeth Oates (B.A. Baylor University; M.A.C.E. Dallas Theological Seminary) is a wife, mother and freelance writer. She and her husband, Brandon, founded Project Restoration Ministry. For more information on Elizabeth’s Bible study curriculum, Dealing with Divorce: Finding Directon When Your Parents Split Up, or to e-mail her, go to the Website

www.projectrestorationministry.org.