Where to Start Reading the Bible (When You’re Overwhelmed)

 "Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God." — Matthew 4:4

You know you should read the Bible. But every time you open it, you’re hit with a wall of ancient names, confusing laws, and poetry that feels like another language. Maybe you’ve tried starting in Genesis, only to get stuck in Leviticus. Or you’ve flipped to random pages, hoping for a "sign."

Here’s the good news: You don’t need a theology degree to hear God speak. This isn’t about checking off chapters—it’s about meeting the Person behind the pages. Whether you’re a skeptic, a new believer, or just tired of feeling lost, this guide will help you navigate Scripture without the overwhelm.

1. Forget "Read the Bible in a Year" (Start Here Instead)

Problem:

Most "Bible reading plans" assume you’re already a monk with unlimited free time.

Solution:

Start small. Think snacks, not a feast.

Best Starting Points:

Book	Why?	Key Verse
Mark	Short, fast-paced, all about Jesus.	"The Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve." (Mark 10:45)
Psalms	Raw emotions (anger, joy, doubt).	"The Lord is close to the brokenhearted." (Psalm 34:18)
John	Deep truths in simple language.	"In the beginning was the Word…" (John 1:1)
Proverbs	Practical wisdom (1 chapter/day = 31 days).	"Trust in the Lord with all your heart." (Proverbs 3:5)

→ Try this: Read one chapter of Mark daily. Underline anything that surprises you.

2. The "No-Guilt" Approach to Scripture

Myth:

"Real Christians read the Bible for an hour every morning."

Truth:

God honors consistency over quantity.

• 5 minutes > 0 minutes.
• 1 verse > skimming 10 chapters.

Practical Tips:

1. Use the "SOAP" Method:

• Scripture (Write down 1 verse).
• Observation (What stands out?).
• Application (How does this change my day?).
• Prayer (Talk to God about it).

1. Listen Instead of Read:

• Try audio Bibles (YouVersion app) while commuting.

1. Start with Jesus: 

• If a verse confuses you, ask: "What does this reveal about Jesus?"

3. What to Avoid (So You Don’t Burn Out)

⚠️ Don’t Start With:

• Leviticus (Ancient laws about mold and sacrifices).
• Revelation (Symbols, beasts, and end-times debates).
• Genealogies ("So-and-so begat so-and-so…").

⚠️ Don’t:

• Force yourself to read when exhausted. (God isn’t grading your attention span.)
• Compare your journey to others. (Social media "Bible aesthetic" isn’t real life.)

4. When You’re Stuck, Try This

Question to Ask:

"God, what do You want me to see today?"

Creative Approaches:

👉Color-Code Your Bible:

Yellow = God’s promises
Blue = Commands
Pink = Things that confuse you (pray over these later!)

• Scripture Journaling:
• Doodle, write prayers, or paste verses in a notebook.
• "Verse of the Day" Apps:
• Let someone else pick the passage (YouVersion, Bible Gateway).

5. Your First Week Plan (No Overwhelm)

Day 1: Mark 1 (Jesus’ baptism + miracles)
Day 2: Psalm 23 (God as your shepherd)
Day 3: John 1:1-14 (Jesus as the "Word")
Day 4: Proverbs 3:5-6 (Trusting God)
Day 5: Mark 2:1-12 (Jesus heals a paralytic)
Day 6: Psalm 46:10 ("Be still and know I am God")
Day 7: Pick your favorite so far—reread it!

6. Remember: The Goal Isn’t Information—It’s Transformation

You could memorize the whole Bible and still miss the point (John 5:39-40).

Signs You’re on the Right Track:

• A verse sticks in your mind all day.
• You feel challenged or comforted—not just confused.
• You start noticing God’s voice in everyday life.

"Your word is a lamp to my feet." — Psalm 119:105

God’s Word isn’t a spotlight showing the whole path—just the next step. Start small. Stay curious. Let Him guide you.

Want More?

• How to Understand Confusing Bible Passages

Comment Below: What’s your biggest Bible-reading struggle? Let’s problem-solve together!