I think you should read your Bible through each year. However, this post is not to suggest that those who do not choose an annual Bible Reading plan are somehow doomed to a spiritual wasteland. Simply put, we need to be reading our Bibles. I am also not suggesting that this approach to reading Scripture should replace detailed study of Scripture. I am merely suggesting a few reasons I have found it helpful to read through the Bible each year.
New Translations. I rarely read the same translation for my annual reading. I generally start a new translation of the Scripture with each year”™s beginning. I have found this helps me think more critically of a given passage and how it may differ from a more well-known translation (I read through the Holman Christian Standard Version this year). I also find myself less tethered to the physical location of passages in my Bible (i.e., “oh, that verse was on the top left corner of the page about ¾ of the way through John), and more tied to the chapter and verse. It allows me greater dexterity in remembering where significant passages are located.
Full Perspective. Reading through the entire Bible every year helps me develop a mindset of seeing the details in light of the whole of Scripture.
Context. Regularly reading through large swaths of Scripture helps me to see each portion within the context of its given book. So, when I pray through my reading devotionally, I have a Spirit-inspired context from which to think through how to apply the passage”™s God-originated intent.
Non-Neglect. I can”™t neglect any section of Scripture. A genealogy, Minor Prophets, historical detail ““ all of it gets into my system and makes me think through their implications and original intent. I”™m less prone to simply camp out in favorite texts, but instead, regularly instill the entire Bible into my heart.
Discipline. A Bible reading program helps me to stay focused and keep me on track toward an annual goal. It assists me in staying disciplined.
Accountability. I need some sense of accountability. I”™m not a slave to my Bible reading program, and I don”™t feel less spiritual if I miss a day or get behind. However, getting behind does make me seriously consider what role regular meditation is playing in my life, or whether it is becoming a neglected spiritual discipline. An agenda gives me a personal sense of accountability.
Prayer. I find it helpful to pause after reading and think through the intention of the passage, what impact it should be having on me and others around me (i.e., our church), and then use it as a launching pad into prayer. The day”™s section may give me pause for confession of sin, intercession for someone, a moment of contemplation and prayerful petition. Most often it serves as a means of praise and thanksgiving.
Providence. I love seeing how the circumstances of my life are helped by a given day”™s passage ““ even when I”™m behind in my reading. I have had sweet moments of amazement at God”™s giving me something significant to meditate on in the regular day”™s reading that seems to speak directly to issues in my life.
Long-term fruitfulness. I won”™t say I get spiritual goose-pimples every time I read each day, but what I notice is that my understanding of Scripture and recall of sections read, as well as my ability to put New Testament texts together with Old Testament passages increases with each year that I have made my way through the Bible. My well of understanding and application of truth tends to grow with every year”™s aerial view of Bible.
These are only a few of the potential benefits. Perhaps you would share some others, or bring up challenges. Tomorrow I will provide a list of annual Bible reading resources I have used and some I have found and may use in the future.
