Most Americans say they wish they read the Bible more often, yet wanting to read the Bible and doing it are two very different things! After a slight increase in Bible usage during the pandemic in 2020, Bible usage rates plummeted as the world began to reopen.
“For most of the last decade, about half of Americans said they used the Bible three or more times per year,” the report states. “In last year’s poll, that number dropped ten points… Frankly, we were hoping this was a glitch, but the 2023 responses matched last year’s low point (39%).”
In order to read God’s word regularly, we have to understand why Americans stopped reading their Bibles in the first place.
Are Americans Reading Their Bible?
The State of the Bible report goes on to speculate that this trend may be caused, at least in part, by the pandemic.
“The recent high point of 50 percent Bible use occurred in 2020, a year when many people were cooped up at home with little else to do. The next two years saw a return to activity for many, and for a tenth of the population, the Bible was not part of the reboot. ”
This disparity between the number of people who say they want to read the Bible and the number who do is nothing new. The American Bible Society has been reporting this gap for over a decade now, long before the pandemic occurred.
Obstacles To Consistent Bible Reading
According to a survey conducted by Equipping Godly Women, a website popular among busy Christian women, common obstacles that prevent people from reading the Bible include a lack of time, lack of energy, lack of motivation, frequent distractions, forgetfulness, and a lack of Bible knowledge.
“The number one reason Americans report not reading their Bibles is that we’re too busy. Between work, taking care of the kids, cooking, cleaning, and everything else we do each day, we don’t have the time to learn how to read and study the Bible for ourselves.”
Benefits of Regular Bible Reading
Americans aren’t simply missing out on time spent in the Bible. They’re missing out on many of the benefits the Bible offers as well.
According to the 2023 State of the Bible report, “people who engage with the Bible have far more hope than others.”
Furthermore, the same report found that those who do read or listen to the Bible at least three times per year do so primarily because it brings them closer to God, provides wisdom for making life decisions, and offers comfort.
How to Get Started Reading the Bible
Thankfully, reading the Bible doesn’t have to be difficult, time-consuming, or confusing.
For those wanting to learn how to read the Bible more consistently, here’s how to get started.
1. Find the Medium that Works for You
While many people love sitting to read a physical copy of the Bible uninterrupted, this isn’t the only option.
Instead, you might prefer to watch a sermon series on YouTube, listen to an audio Bible app, or download a Bible memorization app. All three of these methods allow users to read or hear Scripture in a way that may be more accessible for their busy schedules or preferences.
Whether you prefer a physical, paper Bible or you prefer to listen to a Bible app, you will want to choose a reader-friendly Bible translation. The New International Version (NLT) and New Living Translation (NLT) are two popular translations known for their readability.
2. Choose a Bible Study Plan
Rather than opening to a random page or reading disjointed Scripture verses out of context each day, having a pre-written Bible study plan can go a long way toward creating a Bible reading routine you can stick with.
Visit your local Christian bookstore to browse a handful of the thousands of Bible studies for every book of the Bible or for topics such as anxiety, grief, the Holy Spirit, motherhood, your identity in Christ, and more.
Alternatively, you can download a Bible study app for instant access to hundreds of Bible reading plans, audio Bible guides, in-depth Bible studies, devotionals, and community discussion forums to help you read and understand the Bible more consistently.
3. Start Small
Whether you simply want to read small sections of the Bible out of curiosity or you’re ready to start a more systematic, in-depth Bible study, one popular piece of advice is to start small.
The Bible is a large book, and attempting to read it straight through can be overwhelming. Instead, focus on reading small sections, such as one chapter or one story, at a time.
Popular places to begin include the books of Genesis, Matthew, Psalm, or Proverbs, all of which are relatively easy to read and understand, both for beginners and those who have read the Bible for a long time.
How to Make Bible Reading a Daily Habit
Getting in the habit of reading the Scriptures daily is actually easier than you might think…if you use the tips and a daily Bible reading plan in this post. Learning how to read the Bible can be fun and enjoyable!
Read How to Make Bible Reading a Daily Habit
Do You Truly Enjoy Reading the Bible? You Can!
Reading the Bible doesn’t have to be dull, dry, or boring; You truly can look forward to and enjoy reading the Bible. Check out these 6 practical and effective tips to help!
Read Do You Truly Enjoy Reading the Bible? You Can!
15 Insightful Bible Study Questions (Individuals or Groups!)
Whether you’re a small group leader looking for some interesting Bible topics to discuss, or you’re seeking devotional questions for your personal quiet times, some general Bible study questions are essential for exploring and understanding any part of the Scriptures.
Check out these 15 thought-provoking Bible study questions to help you take your devotions even deeper.
15 Insightful Bible Study Questions (Individuals or Groups!)
How to Put on the Full Armor of God (Women only!)
The “full armor of God” scripture in Ephesians 6 is one of the better-known passages to a lot of Christians. At the same time, the scripture is so familiar that it tends to have a lullaby effect.
What’s more, since a warrior in armor is a pretty masculine image from a different time and place, it doesn’t seem very relatable to a woman in the 21st century. But it turns out there is a lot to learn about the full armor of God when you study this passage in its context and apply it to women today!
How to Put on the Full Armor of God (Women only!)
The 60 Best Bible Verses About Loving Others (for Every Occasion)
No matter what you are experiencing in your life, God has provided us with many Bible verses to guide us on our journey of showing more love to those around us. Check out this list for the best Bible verses about loving God and loving others.
The 60 Best Bible Verses About Loving Others (for Every Occasion)
Brittany Ann is an ECPA bestselling author and founder of Equipping Godly Women and Monetize My Ministry. She’s also a Christian speaker, podcaster, and conference host. Her work has been featured on numerous TV, radio, and online ministries, including CBN, MSN, Christianity Today, Evangelical Alliance, Patheos, Crosswalk, and more.
