Why Reading the Bible in a Year is Doable (and More Meaningful Than You Think)
Ever wonder if there’s more to reading through the Bible in a year than just checking off a box? Many people start a Bible reading plan as an act of spiritual discipline, and for them, it becomes a rewarding achievement. While your dedication to completing this task may be what initially motivates you, you will soon discover that what God has for you in His Word is so much more than you imagined. His ways are far higher than ours (Isaiah 55:8-9).
Understanding the deeper significance of reading through all of Scripture may give you both the motivation to begin and the courage to finish. Here are a few reasons you might want to begin your 365-day Bible reading plan today.
Spiritual growth
Regular Bible reading helps deepen your understanding of God’s Word, providing not only biblical knowledge but also strengthening your faith and personal relationship with God. He is at work even when you feel like you are going through the motions. Your mind and heart are being formed by the truths of His Word instead of being conformed to the patterns of this world.
Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will. Romans 12:2
Consistent discipline
Committing to daily Bible reading fosters discipline and helps build a lasting routine. Choosing a Bible reading plan before you get started will keep you focused and motivated. Without the structure of a plan, especially when navigating difficult sections of the Old Testament, it’s easy to lose momentum. A good plan guides you through even the more challenging parts of Scripture.
A great resource to consider using, is the NIV Daily Scripture. From day one, each reading includes a portion from the Old Testament, the New Testament, and a Psalm or Proverb. Before each day’s reading, a succinct applicational overview section will set the stage for that day’s segment, helping you step right back in where you left off the prior day. You don’t even have to wait until January 1st to start; the daily readings are not date-specific, so you can begin your 365-day journey at any point in the year.
For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, mutual affection; and to mutual affection, love. For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. 2 Peter 1:5-9
Broader biblical perspective
One of the greatest lifelong benefits of reading through the entire Bible is gaining a broader understanding of its unifying themes. You begin to see the full story of God’s work throughout history. This comprehensive view reveals how the Old Testament prophecy connects to the life and teachings of Jesus. For instance, when God made a covenant with Abraham by walking between animal sacrifices as a promise to save and bless his descendants (Genesis 15:8-21), we now see it fulfilled in the death and resurrection of Christ Jesus for all who believe in Him (Galatians 3:10-14).
The Old Testament may sometimes seem difficult to understand but reading it in context shows the bigger picture. You can trace the connection between the law, the covenants, and God’s enduring love and plan for his people. All Scripture points toward Christ.
Here are two great resources to choose from:
The One-year Bible Reading Plan has you read from the beginning in Genesis through the end in Revelations.
The Three-year Bible Reading Plan, alternates between the Old Testament and New Testament. This mixing provides variety and reduces the fatigue that may set in from reading long sections of the Old Testament.
Encouragement and comfort
Life’s challenges can often shake our faith, but staying grounded in daily Scripture reading helps us remain focused on God’s Word and how He is guiding us. In our daily readings, we may be surprised to see how God uses ordinary, sinful people and sometimes tragic circumstances to accomplish His incredible purposes. God is still faithful even in the midst of trials.
We all face hard things in life, and daily Scripture reading strengthens and encourages us to keep going. Choosing a daily reading plan that incorporates selections from Psalms and Proverbs in addition to passages from the Old and New Testaments can be helpful. Reading the psalmist’s direct and honest communications with God and the wisdom of Solomon offers consistent encouragement and perspective during tough times.
Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God. 2 Corinthians1:3-4
Power of praying Scripture
Reading God’s Word is a powerful practice, often inspiring you to pray. Praying through Scripture allows you to connect deeply with God as you reflect on His words and promises. Allow His Word to wash over your heart and transform your prayers.
This, then, is how you should pray:
“‘Our Father in heaven,
hallowed be your name,
your kingdom come,
your will be done,
on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us today our daily bread.
And forgive us our debts,
as we also have forgiven our debtors.
And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from the evil one.'”
Matthew 6:9-15
Beginning your daily Scripture reading journey
Many people like to start reading through the Bible at the beginning of a new year when resolutions are made to set the tone for the months ahead. However, there’s no “right” time to begin. You can start your Bible reading journey whenever you feel ready, and you can pick up where you left off if you need to take a break.
As you move through the Scriptures outlined in your chosen book or plan, be open to what God will teach you. You’ll gain not only biblical knowledge but also personal insights that apply to your life and circumstances. The Holy Spirit may bring a passage to your attention that you can meditate on or think about, bringing new revelation to your life.
All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness. 2 Timothy 3:16
While completing a year-long Bible reading plan is an accomplishment, the true reward lies in how it deepens your faith. As you engage with God’s Word, you are planting seeds that will bear fruit in the moments you need them most—whether it’s recalling stories of faith, finding words of hope, or embracing encouragement. God is always good, and His Word is always accomplished according to His plan.
So is my word that goes out from my mouth: it will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it. Isaiah 55:11
Though reading Scripture daily can sometimes feel challenging, especially during difficult times (when we need it most!), there are many tools to help you stay focused and grounded in your faith. The NIV offers a variety of reading plans, and the following Bibles, to support you throughout your journey:
NIV Daily Scripture, Giant Print
NIV Daily Scripture, Audio download
NIV Daily Scripture
The NIV Daily Scripture is for those that want to read through the Bible in one year. From day one, each reading includes a portion from the Old Testament, the New Testament, and a Psalm or Proverb. Before each day’s reading, a succinct applicational overview section will set the stage for that day’s segment, helping you step right back in where you left off the prior day. You don’t even have to wait until January 1st to start; the daily readings are not date-specific, so you can begin your 365-day journey at any point in the year.
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