Why You Should Read the Entire Bible in 2022
Every year I read the entire Bible at least once. Depending on the plan I use, I may read the New Testament twice as well as the Psalms and Proverbs.
I’ve read the entire bible every year for the past 20 years, and most of the past 42 years.
Does that make me special? No, but it fills my mind with the Word of God every day, something every Christian needs to do as we live in a culture becoming more hostile to Christianity every day.
Every Christian should make this a spiritual discipline. It is easy, and it takes only a few minutes every day.
How much time do you spend watching TV? On social media? Playing computer games? Reading blogs?
Will it wreck your day to take 15- 20 minutes away from one of these distractions? (They are my distractions as well.) And invest them in reading the Bible?
Why You Should Read the Entire Bible in 2022
If you’ve read my posts, you know I am passionate about encouraging every believer to love God with their minds. Bible The most basic way to love God with your mind and be a thinking Christian is to read the Bible every day.
Need some reasons to do this. Here are some ways we benefit by reading the entire Bible every year:
- The story of God’s saving love remains fresh in our minds.
- We remember the locations of key passages.
- Remembering the location of key passages results in quick access to them when we need them.
- The Word of God becomes a priority in our lives, rather than an afterthought.
- We renew our connection to God daily.
- The more we immerse ourselves in the Scriptures, the more we hunger and thirst for God’s righteousness. Bible.
- When we make this a priority in our day, we fulfill Christ’s admonishment to “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” (Matthew 6:33.)
- Our minds renew and we are more in tune with the will of God. “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.)
- It’s strengthens our faith to stand firm against the onslaughts of a hostile culture. “Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes.” (Ephesians 6:10–11.)
How I Read the Entire Bible Every Year
First, I select a reading plan. I refer to the resources listed below and choose the plan I will use for the next year. Over the years, I have used many plans. Sometimes, they are part of a devotional, but I always make sure that the devotional has me reading the entire Bible during the year.
For example, in 2021 I used D.A. Carson’s, For the Love of God: A Daily Companion for Discovering the Riches of God’s Word. Vol. 1
Since I have software that allows me to read or listen to the Bible on my computer and other devices, I did something different. I listened to God’s Word each day instead of reading. Some years I use a physical, rather than digital Bible for my reading. That is my plan for 2022.
Also, your church may recommend a plan. If so, consider using it.
Second, I schedule a time to do the reading, usually early in the day. It can also be a part of your daily prayer time. However, it is important to be flexible. There are days when I’m not able to do my Bible reading early in the day as planned. But I make sure I get it done.
Since I can read the Bible on multiple devices, I’ve done my daily reading waiting in doctor’s offices, in my car as I wait for a friend at an appointment, any time I am in line.
If I fall behind, I don’t despair. I catch up, even if I only read one more chapter each day. The key here is to try reading every day. If you miss a day or two, keep reading. If December 31 rolls around and you are still two weeks behind, it doesn’t matter. Finish when you can and begin you next year’s plan a bit later.
Resources
We all need help and guidance as we read the entire Bible in 2022. That’s why I recommend getting a copy of Gordon Fee’s How to Read the Bible for All It’s Worth.
The Way I’ll Be Reading the Bible in 2022
An excellent overview of daily Bible reading. I recommend you read this before selecting a reading plan.
Speaking broadly, there are two approaches to daily Bible-reading: reading for intimacy or reading for familiarity. Intimacy with the Bible comes by slow, meditative reading that focuses on small portions—deep study of books, chapters, and verses. Familiarity with the Bible comes through faster reading of larger portions—the entire sweep of the biblical narrative. Both are perfectly good approaches to the Bible and Christians thrive on a healthy mixture of the two. There is great benefit in knowing the Bible as a whole (familiarity) and in knowing the most important parts in detail (intimacy).
2022 Bible Reading Plans
A comprehensive list of Bible reading plans you can download as PDFs.
As you make plans for 2022, we invite you to explore Bible reading plans designed to help you prioritize abiding in God’s Word. Each plan differs slightly, and we encourage you to find one that fits your unique learning style and study goals for the year. Whether you’d like to read straight through the Bible from Genesis to Revelation or focus your attention on one book, we hope these plans will serve you as you grow as a disciple of Christ and share the truths you are learning with those in your life.
