In today’s world, being busy is a badge of honor. We juggle work, family, responsibilities, social obligations, and an endless stream of notifications. It’s easy to feel like there’s never enough time in the day. But there’s one casualty of this relentless pace that sometimes goes unnoticed: our devotional time. If that sounds familiar, you’re not alone. Many of us long to grow spiritually through Scripture, but we often tell ourselves, “I’m just too busy.” However, the busier we get, the more we need the clarity, perspective, and calm that Bible reading can provide.
Time is Relative
Jesus Himself was incredibly busy—teaching, healing, traveling, and ministering to thousands—yet He always made time to pray and seek God. If He could carve out moments of stillness in the midst of His mission, so can we.
While it may feel like our schedules are packed, most of us still find time for things like social media, TV, or mindless scrolling. We also experience time subjectively. A fun day with friends may feel like it goes by in a flash, while a boring or stressful situation may feel like time is dragging. Reading used to be a cornerstone of personal growth and relaxation. But somewhere between binge-watching the latest series and scrolling through our feeds, it’s become a luxury we can’t seem to afford. Meanwhile, screen time continues to climb.
When life feels like a treadmill, Bible reading might seem like the last thing you need. Who has time for reading when there are emails to answer? Why dive into a book when you’ve got a to-do list a mile long? However, research from the University of Sussex show that reading for just six minutes can reduce stress by up to 68%, even outperforming activities like listening to music or taking a walk.
Reading is Worth Your Time
We’ve trained ourselves to fill the gaps with something else. Waiting for coffee? Check email. Five minutes before a meeting? Scroll on social media. We’ve become so addicted to productivity that sitting down with a book feels indulgent, even wasteful. But reading is an investment. It has profound benefits. It improves focus, and comprehension, allowing you to learn, grow, and gain new perspectives. Bible reading offers teachings, insights and strategies. Even a few Bible verses can shift your perspective. Reading Scripture draws us closer to God, nurtures our faith and reminds us of His promises. You don’t need to overhaul your life to add more Bible reading to your life. Small shifts can make a big difference.
Here are a Few Ideas to Help
Spending time with God equips us with the inner strength needed to navigate life’s challenges. Just as our bodies need food for physical energy, our souls require spiritual nourishment to remain strong. Time with God renews our spirit, and prepares us to face life’s challenges with faith. We are reminded that God is our refuge and strength as we draw from His wisdom, and grace. Like Jesus, we can experience the incredible benefits of prayer. The key to pray like Jesus is to set aside quiet, intentional time with God—whether it’s in the morning, during a lunch break, or in the evening.
- Start small: Even 5-10 minutes of Bible reading a day is enough to build a new habit.
- Replace, Don't Add: Swap one mindless activity for reading. Instead of scrolling before bed, pick up your Bible. (printed or on your mobile device) Trade one Netflix episode for a few verses of the Bible.
- Make It Part of Your Routine: Choose a convenient time to read the Bible.
- Limit Distractions: Reduce screen time and replace it with Bible reading.
- Ditch the Guilt or Shame: Reading isn’t a chore. Let go of the pressure and just enjoy it.
Even in the busiest seasons of life, a few intentional moments in the Word can bring wisdom, peace, and perspective. The world slows down a little, and you start noticing things—ideas, emotions, possibilities—that you’d been too “busy” to see.
Consider using the Bible Day by Day app. With customizable features, it serves as a valuable companion for spiritual growth. The app allows you to create personalized Bible reading plans, making it easy to explore Scripture in a way that aligns with your interests. Additionally, one of its standout features is the ability to set daily reminders, helping you stay consistent with your reading goals. Whether you're looking to deepen your faith or establish a steady devotional practice, this app is a powerful tool to keep you engaged and on track. Make the choice to invest in yourself, your faith, and your growth—one Bible verse at a time.