Many of us start the new year on a high, excited to grow in our devotion and set goals to read our Bible more. I remember my Pastor encouraging us to read through our entire Bible in 2021. At that point, I was double-minded about it. Although I knew it was an incredible way to grow in my faith, I didn’t think I could keep up with the plan. So, I continued with a different Bible reading plan until March when I decided to join the challenge to read my Bible in 1 year.
Not long after, I struggled to keep up and missed several reading days. Eventually, I was on and off with the plan. Then, I got to know of someone who decided to switch to a 2-year Bible reading plan. That was a major influence to rethink my reading plan. If it wasn’t working for me, then I could do something about it. Beyond ticking the box of reading my Bible for the day, it is a way to grow in my walk with God. I also learn to be committed and disciplined in my devotion.
So, I hit refresh on my Bible reading plan in July. I decided to use a new reading plan – switched from my 1-year plan to a 2-year plan. I also moved to a new platform, the YouVersion mobile app, to track my reading progress. You might think that automatically made me stick to the reading plan but no, it didn’t resolve all the challenges. However, it’s been a smoother and more sustainable plan. It seems like a long time away from reading my entire Bible but it’s been an accountable plan for me.
How YouVersion helped me refresh my Bible reading Plan
On the YouVersion Bible App, I currently use the Two Year Bible Reading Plan: Volume 1. This takes me through Genesis to 2 Chronicles, the New Testament and Psalms in 1 year. Afterwards, I will move to the Two-Year Bible Reading Plan: Volume 2 to read Ezra through Malachi, the New Testament and Psalms in one year.
I love that I can tick off the chapters I’ve read and keep track of my reading progress. The YouVersion plan also has this super cool feature named “Catch Me Up” which I love. It refreshes your tracker to catch up on your missed days. So, if you’re unable to read all the chapters you missed, you can simply adjust the dates to the current day and continue from there. This shouldn’t make you lazy with your plan. However, I like that you can refresh your plan based on where you left off without feeling overwhelmed to catch up on all you missed.
Based on my use since July, I recommend it if you’re looking for a 2 year Bible reading plan. You can also check out other plans available on YouVersion or one of the devotional Platforms I talked about here.
Here’s a screenshot of my current Volume 1 plan
Tips to Help You Keep Up With Your Bible Reading Plan
As helpful as Bible platforms or apps can be, it doesn’t automatically result in a better devotional life. I’ve learnt this firsthand so I know what I’m talking about.
Here are some tips to help you keep up with your Bible Reading Plan:
1. Create a structure to grow in your devotion.
You need a plan or at least, an idea of how to achieve your devotion goals. If you decide to freestyle, then you are most likely on a slippery slope to struggling in your devotion. One good structure to have is to dedicate time to study your Bible and pray.
2. Be disciplined with your plan or structure.
Yes, sometimes sleeping will feel like a better option but you have to push yourself to do what’s necessary.
3. Get accountable to another believer or a group of believers.
It’s easier when you have someone to encourage you and check in on your progress.
4. Take advantage of the structures that your Church has in place to help you have a fervent devotion.
If your Church has a Bible reading plan or accountability group, consider being a part of it.
5. Feel free to refresh your Bible reading plan, if necessary.
You can pick up from where you left off. You don’t have to wait till the new week, month or year. Today is a good day to refresh your plan and continue or start a new one. Also, if your current reading plan isn’t working for you, you can switch to a different one. The ultimate goal is to read your Bible to grow and enjoy your fellowship with God.
On a final note, reading your Bible is good for you. It’s a fundamental way to grow in the Faith so we must get on with it. It wouldn’t always be easy to stick to your devotional plan but it’s totally worth it. The Holy Spirit is in you giving you both the desire and the ability to do everything that pleases God, including this.
I’m rooting for you too.
Cheers!
Photo by Alexandra Fuller on Unsplash
