The beginning of a new year typically brings about a fresh start with fresh goals in all areas of life, and I’m here for that. However, I must say I always feel a bit overwhelmed by it. I sit here as I type still trying to decide what I want to accomplish this year and how I want to do it. I especially struggle with the “how” of what will motivate me the most as there are endless ways of doing things. And my Bible reading goals are no exception.
There are just so many great plans out there. Some are in-depth studies of specific books or themes in the Bible. Some are fast like reading the entire Bible in a year. Others include some of both. I get so eager to get started that I often set some really lofty goals for how much of the Bible I’m going to consume in the new year. My focus quickly shifts to making sure I read so much by a certain time. I get overwhelmed or frustrated if I don’t keep up. And the how I going to do this often becomes more of the goal. Then I stop and realize, isn’t the goal supposed to be about the why instead of the how?
The why is to spend time each day in God’s Word. It’s learning more about Him, studying and meditating on Scripture, listening for His voice, and seeking guidance through the Holy Spirit. Some days that can take less or more time. I must remind myself that it’s not a race to just the end of this year but a lifetime of walking daily with the Lord.
Now, I’m certainly not saying that plans for reading the entire Bible or a big portion of it in a year are in any way wrong. I’m also not saying Bible reading plans with no timeline are always the best. Each are equally good and have their place. Each one of us is also motivated by something different. But whatever the case may be, sometimes it’s important to slow down, not worry about the timeline, and spend more time in a certain passage if needed. God’s plans for us that day may be very different than our own.
The point here is to encourage you and me to remember the “why” of our quiet time each day. It just matters that we take some time to focus on Scripture and ultimately seek our Savior.