I grew up in a Seventh-day Adventist family where morning and evening worship were a daily rhythm. Every day began and ended with Scripture reading — a habit that shaped both our faith and our reading skills. Over time, we memorized verses and promises that became part of our lives.
When we got older, our parents encouraged us to take on a bigger goal: read the entire Bible in a year, starting on January 1. Like most families, we began right at Genesis 1, full of motivation and good intentions. However, as the months passed, life became increasingly busy. Sometimes, we skipped a reading or two, and by March—or if I was doing really well, by July—the plan usually fell apart.
Later, in college, I realized something interesting: many people I met had the same experience. The first few books of the Bible—Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, maybe Numbers—were well-read, while the rest remained largely unexplored. That made me wonder: Is Genesis really the best place to start reading the Bible?
Why It’s Hard to Start (and Stick With) Bible Reading
Most people start reading the Bible with good intentions. We want to grow spiritually, understand God’s Word, and build a consistent habit. But somewhere between the genealogies, laws, and long chapters, our motivation fades. The truth is, the Bible isn’t a book you read once from start to finish — it’s a library of 66 books, written over centuries, in different styles and for different purposes.
That’s why starting at Genesis and trying to read straight through to Revelation can feel overwhelming. The first few chapters are exciting — creation, the flood, Abraham’s faith — but by the time we reach Leviticus or Numbers, the momentum often slows down.
It’s not a lack of faith or discipline. It’s just that the Bible wasn’t meant to be approached like a novel. To really understand it, you need to know where to begin and why certain books might be better starting points for you.
The Best Places to Start Reading the Bible
If you’ve ever struggled to stay consistent with Bible reading, you’re not alone. The good news is that you don’t have to start in Genesis to grow spiritually. Instead, you can begin with books that speak to your heart, offer wisdom for daily life, and help you connect emotionally with God. Here are three great places to start:
The Heart — The Book of John
What is it?
John is one of the four Gospels, written by one of Jesus’ closest disciples. It focuses less on a strict timeline and more on who Jesus is — His love, His divinity, and His purpose.
Why Start Here?
If you want to understand the heart of Christianity, John is the best place to begin. It introduces you to Jesus not just as a teacher or miracle worker, but as the Son of God who came to show us the Father’s love. The verses are filled with deep meaning but written in a simple, readable way.
What is the Goal?
To know Jesus personally. As you read John, focus on His words, His compassion, and His mission. The goal isn’t just to finish the book — it’s to strengthen your relationship with Christ.
The Handbook — The Book of Proverbs
Why is it?
Proverbs is the Bible’s guidebook for wise living. Written mostly by King Solomon, it’s full of short, practical sayings about honesty, humility, work, relationships, and decision-making.
What You Will Learn
You’ll discover how God’s wisdom applies to everyday situations — how to speak kindly, handle money wisely, and avoid common traps that lead to regret. Each proverb is a quick burst of truth that can guide your choices throughout the day.
What is Your Goal?
To live wisely and walk in integrity. The goal isn’t to rush through it, but to read a few verses daily, reflect on them, and let God’s wisdom shape your thoughts and actions.
Emotional Connection — The Book of Psalms
What is it?
Psalms is a collection of songs and prayers written by people who experienced the full range of human emotion — joy, fear, anger, sadness, and hope. It’s raw, honest, and deeply comforting.
When to Read It?
Read Psalms when you’re feeling overwhelmed, thankful, or simply unsure what to pray. There’s a psalm for every season of life, whether you’re celebrating or struggling.
What is Your Goal?
To express your heart to God and find peace in His presence. The goal is not just to read the words but to pray them — to make each psalm your own conversation with the Lord.
Conclusion
Starting your Bible reading journey doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. You don’t need to begin in Genesis or follow a rigid plan. What matters is finding a place that speaks to your heart — whether that’s discovering who Jesus is in John, gaining wisdom for daily life in Proverbs, or finding comfort and honesty in Psalms.
Each of these books offers something unique:
- John helps you know the heart of Jesus.
- Proverbs teaches you how to live with wisdom.
- Psalms reminds you that God understands every emotion you feel.
The best way to start reading the Bible is simply to begin — one book, one chapter, one verse at a time. Let it be personal. Let it be real. And remember, it’s not about how fast you read, but how deeply you connect with God through His Word.
In the next article, we’ll look at something just as important: how to stay consistent — how to build a Bible reading habit that lasts even when life gets busy.
