how to study the bible as a mom
I am a Christian woman who ALMOST ALWAYS at every season remembered the importance of reading the Word of God. That said, I never encountered a crux of my discipline like when I become a stay at home mother. Never have I needed the Lord more, and never did I TECHNICALLY have as much time on my hands as I currently had.
Having time to spend with the Lord seemed like a joke. Wake up early before the baby? I am getting a wink whenever I can because I’m up for hours on end in the middle of the night! Stay up and read at night? I’m falling asleep on the couch, or so wired, or desperately seeking the endorphin boost from my phone. If all the cards fell into place and I had a time to read, my brain felt so mushy there was no way I was retaining anything. It seemed IMPOSSIBLE. How could I study the Bible now that I’m a mom? I know I was not alone in this. Someone give me an AMEN!
What does this mean for my faith?
I’d like to say that in this season I acknowledged my need for the Lord so much that I spent my days crying out to him for the grace and mercy that I needed. Not at first. Not for a few years. I did FEEL wrong and knew how dangerous it was to not actively be reading the Word. So I did start re-establishing my habit by some simple steps. Growing in my faith as a result of becoming a mother and the trials and tribulations that would occur for me has taken a longer and different road. Either way, here are some steps I found helpful to getting in the habit.
How to study the bible as a Mom:
1. Establish some type of routine, any routine.
For me, I started a non-spiritual routine of exercising with a 5-10 minute workout video online. It felt energizing to move my body when I was half asleep, and it gave me an excuse to take a shower. A friend of mine ended up starting a Facebook group for moms to encourage each other in their fitness pursuits and posting in there what I did was something I looked forward to. Even though 1 Timothy 4:8 states “for while bodily training is of some value, godliness is of value in every way, as it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come.” Ultimately my exercise habit was not going to help my godliness, it definitely was an important stepping stone.
Establishing a routine of something I enjoyed helped boost my confidence and gave me some hope that I could accomplish something, however small, with all the new demands of being a stay at home mom and wife.
2. Get encouraged.
For me, the hope alone that I could accomplish something small every day or most days was enough to encourage me to crack open the Word. Completing a task start to finish was possible, but just needed to be a lot shorter and more manageable than before baby when my time was my own. Adding a 5-10 minute time period where you sit down and open the scripture or say a prayer is a great way to start.
The Youversion Bible App is an excellent way to utilize this time. The video message is engaging and quick, the scripture of the day, and there is even a prayer section of the app. For a short 5-15 min study this is an EXCELLENT option in my opinion. The app even has the option to “friend” people and there are short bible studies you can engage in WITH a community for accountability, support, and encouragement. You can even share your comments at the end of each study!
3. Get consistent.
I learned later on about habit stacking and this is a great way to remember to study your Bible. Any type of routine that is foolproof and easy for you that you look forward to, or have to do, could be coupled with a Bible reading habit. Drinking your morning coffee, brushing your teeth, prepping dinner, breastfeeding. When this activity happens, let it trigger your mind to do some sort of bible reading, even if its for less than 5 minutes.
I held myself accountable to it being the first thing I did when I got up (sometimes before I even got out of bed) because I knew the further I got from my bed the more likely I would get disturbed or distracted.
3. Build on that routine!
Over the years seasons have changed and I have grown in becoming more accustomed to lifestyle and time management as a stay at home mom. I eventually desperately dug into the Word a lot more after a few years of being home with my daughter because of a trial I was encountering. It was not always easy, it was not always pretty, it was not always very studious, but I was determined to give this time to the Lord to start my day every day.
I increased the length of time I was spending with Him. Added more scripture during my reading time. I found a Christian book I would read, and I added specific time in prayer and journalling. Naturally, I have switched and refined my routine many times over the years.
Currently I aim to read 2 Old Testament chapters, 1 New Testament Chapter, a Psalm, and a Proverb. Then I write one scripture that spoke to me with some prayers in a journal. I say a prayer from a prayer book for my husband specifically. Reading a short section from a Christian book is something I look forward to every day too. Most recently I added a borrowed devotional with scripture readings three times a day, because I’ve always wanted the ability to refresh my spirit morning and night, but have never gotten into a good habit.
He acknowledges you. he loves you.
Isaiah 40:11 says “He will tend his flock like a shepherd;
he will gather the lambs in his arms;
he will carry them in his bosom,
and gently lead those that are with young.”
If you aren’t where you want to be, or feel you should be, REMEMBER, do not despise small beginnings. Do what you can and over time you will build on it and crave the refreshment and necessity of your time with the Lord. Don’t do it out of guilt. Do it out of love, adoration, and desperation for your Savior. It’s not about perfection. We are not concerned about productivity. This is about getting your daily bread and giving Him your first. Every moment seeking Him is worth it, even if it’s just a few moments.
Ways to build and advance your Bible study habit:
- Memorize Scripture
- Daily Audio Bible Podcast or App
- Adding some time in a recommended Christian book
- Follow a Bible Reading Plan (on Youversion bible app or printable Bible Gateway)
- Using a prayer companion book like “Power of a Praying Wife” or rote prayers like the “Our Father” Matthew 6:9-13
- Listen to an encouraging podcast like the ones from Revive our Hearts or Focus on the Family
- Add more scripture or more reading time
- Incorporate a family bible reading or prayer time
- Join an online or (preferably) an in-person Bible study through your local church. But do what you can!
- Listen to sermons of reputable and even historical preachers
COMMENT BELOW WHAT WORKS FOR YOU!
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