How I Started Studying the Bible Without Feeling Overwhelmed

If you've ever opened your Bible, stared at the thin pages, and immediately felt underqualified to even try… you’re not alone. That was me, too.

For the longest time, I thought Bible study was only for pastors, or people who woke up at 5am with color-coded pens; people who have grown up in church. I wasn’t one of them. I was just a woman searching for God in the middle of heartbreak, trying to hear Him when all I could feel was the echo of “why?”

But what changed everything wasn’t a fancy method or perfect routine. It was this: I started small, and I started honest.

Don’t try to read the whole Bible. Start with one book.

I chose the Book of Psalms. It felt like an emotional safe place—raw, real, and filled with cries that sounded like mine. Whether you start with Psalms, John, or Ruth… pick one book. Just one. And sit with it.

📓 Tip: I committed to one chapter a day. Not out of guilt, but out of curiosity. “God, what do You want me to see today?”

Invite God in before you begin.

I started every reading with a simple prayer:

“God, help me understand what I’m reading. Show me something I need for today.”

Use a simple method. I like using SOAP.

This changed everything. Here's how it works:

• S = Scripture – Write out the verse that stood out.

• O = Observation – What is it saying? Who is speaking? What's happening?

• A = Application – How does this apply to me?

• P = Prayer – Write a short prayer based on what you read.

It’s okay if you don’t understand everything.

Seriously. Some parts of the Bible will leave you scratching your head. That doesn’t mean you’re doing it wrong. It just means you’re human. I know some people can quote the Bible and give you references for everything off the top of their head, but you’re learning. Give yourself grace when you find yourself drawing a blank.

You don’t have to know everything. You just need to show up and be willing to nurture your relationship with Jesus.

Write down anything that crosses your mind.

I write down life-applications (like how that verse applies to me at the moment that I’m reading it), questions, questions, questions!!! Random thoughts are okay, too! You don’t have to make it sound professional or super neat. Just ask. God wants you to be open and honest with Him.

Utilize commentaries like Enduring Word, Pray.com, and BibleRef.

Jot down anything you think you need to make note of from these commentaries. It’s okay if your notes are long and messy!

Bible study isn’t a performance. It’s a relationship.
The more you study and learn, the more effort you’ll want to put into growing your relationship with Jesus. Come as you are and come willing to learn more.