As the New Year rolls around, we often find ourselves thinking about resolutions—the goals we set to make positive changes in our lives. For many of us, this includes exercising more, losing weight, saving money, or learning something new. These are all good pursuits that can undoubtedly add value to our lives. But as Christian women, could we set our sights even higher?
Editor’s Note
This article was written for the winter issue of Gather in the Garden Magazine by my mother, Jill Jackson. We’re sharing this exclusive article on the blog because EVERY woman deserves to have access to Jill’s wisdom. — NH
Imagine if a desire for spiritual growth shaped our New Year’s resolutions.
What if our most important goal this year was to deepen our relationship with God by developing a consistent habit of Bible study? How motivated would we be if we viewed this resolution as more than a beneficial habit and recognized it as honoring a command that reflects our love and reverence for God?
What would our effort look like if we viewed Bible study as an opportunity to have a window into God’s heart and express our love and faithfulness to Him? What would a year dedicated to spiritual growth and honoring Him look like? What treasures of faith might we discover by focusing on wholehearted obedience to God rather than on personal benefits?
The importance of keeping Scripture on our hearts
Moses commanded the Israelites to value and obey God’s laws. He told them to “lay up these words of mine in your heart and in your soul, and you shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes” (Deut. 11:18).
The imagery of binding God’s Word on our hands and having it as frontlets between our eyes illustrates the importance of keeping Scripture at the forefront of everything we do and think.
This doesn’t happen by chance. Reading a verse occasionally or passively listening to a sermon is not enough if we want God’s Word to influence our actions (the hand) and shape our perspective (the eyes).
The habit of opening God’s Word moves Scripture from mere words on a page to the influence behind our decisions, attitudes, and how we relate to the world around us. We simply can’t expect Scripture to shape our hearts and minds if we don’t invest the time and diligence required to study, meditate, and apply it daily.
Being in God’s Word gives us wisdom, peace, and direction. It is the foundation for our faith. It enables us to discern truth, resist temptation, and overcome life’s challenges. It is a gift that God has given us.
If we set this gift aside—if we don’t regularly immerse ourselves in Scripture—we risk becoming spiritually malnourished and disconnected from God’s wisdom and guidance. We stunt our spiritual growth and leave ourselves unprepared for challenges and trials. When we fail to study, we become vulnerable to worldly influences, confusion, and spiritual drift (Heb. 2:1).
Most of us are well aware of these truths. Yet, despite this knowledge, we often struggle to practice what is necessary and ultimately best for our well-being—developing spiritually healthy habits.
Perhaps this struggle comes from an overlooked reality: we don’t always expect or prepare for the challenges that inevitably arise. We set out with the best intentions to make Bible study a regular part of our lives, but without anticipating the obstacles, we’re often caught off guard when they appear. Our focus becomes frazzled, and our resolve is impacted.
Let’s consider some common obstacles that often undermine our efforts to cultivate a habit of Bible study that will help us grow spiritually. As we think about these challenges, let’s develop a proactive plan to address them by applying practical tips for overcoming them.
From Motivation to Momentum
Without a clear “why,” Bible study can feel like a routine task with little impact—like something that just needs to be checked off a list. But when we connect it to a personal desire for spiritual growth and transformation, our “why” gives purpose and consistency to our habit, making it a vital part of our lives.
If we are striving to develop the habit of Bible study, we must first identify our “why.” Why is Bible study essential for you? Identifying your specific “why” is crucial to developing a consistent and meaningful habit. Having purpose moves us from motivation into momentum.
For example, your why may sound like this:
I want to deepen my faith, trust, and dependence on God to be equipped for whatever trials come my way. I know that being in the Word will help me be like a “tree planted by streams of water that yields fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither” (Psalm 1:3). I want to have deep roots that can support me in any storm so that I can remain faithful unto death and receive the crown of life (Revelation 2:10).
Seedling routine:
Take an index card and write down at least three compelling reasons why the habit of Bible study is essential to you. Include specific, meaningful details that resonate deeply with you. Why do these reasons matter, and how do they impact your life? Be intentional and precise. Then, place the card where you’ll see it first thing each morning. Make it a daily practice to read this card when you wake up, setting the tone for your day with spiritual focus and mindfulness
Busy Lives, Empty Souls
The “time trap” is one of the most common barriers to maintaining a regular study habit. Our society glorifies busyness. It’s easy to feel like there’s not enough time to fit everything in. While often unavoidable, this busyness can rob us of the spiritual nourishment we desperately need, leaving us spiritually depleted and wondering why our faith feels distant or dry.
When our schedules are packed with many things, study is often pushed to “later”—a vague promise that rarely materializes. We can be all about spiritual intention but fail to have spiritual actions. Life’s busyness can keep us spiritually starved. We often believe the problem to be time management, but in reality, our problem is decision management.
James Clear writes in his book, Atomic Habits, “A single habit is easy to dismiss.” How often do we dismiss the decision to study God’s Word?
I will read my Bible tomorrow. I’m too tired to read right now. I will study later. I have too many things on my schedule right now.
Saying, “I will do it later,” is not wrong in and of itself. We may make adjustments in our schedules to accommodate various needs. But saying “I will do it later” can be a way of quieting our conscience as it begs us to do what is best for us spiritually.
Placing Bible study in the “later” category can allow us to put a decision to the wayside without the actual intention to do it later at a specific scheduled time (James 4:17).
Instead of pushing spiritual priorities aside, we should make deliberate decisions to create space for them in our schedules, ensuring that “later” becomes a time we’ve genuinely set aside for what matters most.
Developing a consistent habit of Bible study requires us to manage our decisions so that the busyness of life does not lead to the emptiness of our souls.
This decision management results from having a hyper-focus on our priorities. Even with a hectic schedule, we can dedicate meaningful time to engage in Bible study. But we can’t go from “busy to blessed” without assessing and realigning our priorities.
Seedling Routine:
Time for Bible study has to become a line item on the schedule. If you can create the same time daily for Bible study, that’s great! But if your work schedule or season of life prevents you from choosing a set time for every day, then each night before bed, a plan must be designated for Bible study for the following day. Blocking off a set time is essential for success. Without a clear plan, we’re setting ourselves up for failure by default. Whether it’s waking up 15 minutes earlier or carving out a quiet moment during lunch, having a plan helps establish a routine that keeps our priorities in focus.
One Step Forward, Two Missed Days
I’m convinced that discouragement is an obstacle the devil loves to put in our way when we strive to develop Bible study habits.
We set out with the best intentions, determined, to be in God’s Word each day, but sometimes the demands of life steal our focus. Before we know it, a day or two has passed, and we’re left feeling discouraged, like we have failed yet again. And that feeling of failure can zap our zeal to pick up and try again.
Here’s the thing—those feelings of defeat are precisely what the devil wants. He rejoices when we allow discouragement to paralyze our spiritual growth. He knows that if we dwell in our sense of failure, we might give up altogether. The enemy thrives on making us believe we’re not good enough, that we’ll never be disciplined enough, and that our efforts are in vain.
But we must remember: God doesn’t measure our relationship with Him by perfection but by persistence. He knows our hearts and our struggles. We have to quit viewing stumbling as a failure and be determined to see it as a way to become more self-aware and successful in our efforts. Rather than being discouraged and letting the devil have joy over our moments of weakness, we can return to the Word with renewed determination, trusting that each small step forward is a victory in God’s eyes.
Our resolution should be to strive for progress, not perfection. Our goal should be perseverance—being dedicated to continuing to come back, even when we’ve missed a few steps. Having a consistent connection with God blesses our lives. Having a flawless routine is not a requirement for obtaining that goal.
Seedling Routine:
When you’ve experienced a break in consistency, pick up where you left off without bringing the baggage of guilt or shame. Doing this requires shifting our mindset from “starting over” to simply “continuing the pursuit of growth.” The days missed are past. Focus forward and recognize what matters most is your commitment to continuing to return to your efforts to grow spiritually.
Write these truths on a piece of paper:
Perfection is not required for progress! I am committed to keep returning!
Place this paper inside your Bible where you are currently studying and read it whenever you are tempted to be discouraged by missed days.
Think Small Wins, Big Gains
Success in developing lasting habits often comes from keeping things short and sweet. Our study habits need to start with easy, manageable goals.
Too often, when we set out to build a new habit, like Bible study, the temptation is to aim high—spending an hour each day or reading entire books at a time. But this can quickly become overwhelming, especially if we don’t already have an established habit.
We must remember our “why” and recognize that in the beginning, consistency is most important. It is better to study for ten minutes every day than one hour one day and then let six days pass without time in God’s Word. Consistency is king; we set ourselves up for long-term success by keeping it simple. We have to recognize small wins result in big gains.
Achievable goals allow us to build momentum, which equips us to take on bigger challenges later. Small wins reinforce a mindset of progress rather than perfection.
When we celebrate these moments, we shift our focus from what we haven’t accomplished to what we are achieving. This perspective gives us the resilience to keep going, laying the groundwork for greater spiritual growth and discipline in the future.
Seedling Routine:
Write it on a sticky note and put it on your bathroom mirror: Start small! Resist the urge to set big goals.
Dedicate just 10 or 15 minutes a day to studying. Strive to create achievable goals that are easier to stick with. These small victories build confidence and momentum. Once the habit is established, a sustainable goal of 10 minutes of study can easily be turned into 20 minutes. The key is not to bite off more than you can chew. Buy into the value of keeping things simple and easy.
Remember to Remember
Developing a new habit can be challenging. It can be easy to forget to do things we’re not yet accustomed to doing. While having a plan to study at a specific time is helpful, reminders can be an invaluable backup to ensure success.
Our goal is to transform what may be a current challenge into a natural and necessary part of our day.
Visual cues can help us create systems that prompt us to prioritize the new habits we want to establish. Seeing something that reminds us of our goal helps us remember the “why” for the goal, the need to prioritize that goal, and the need to follow through with our goal. Visual reminders create an environment that supports and encourages our spiritual growth.
Seedling Routine:
Establish some visual cues to help you remember to follow through with your intentions. Put a sticky note on your bathroom mirror or next to the coffee pot, where you will see it as soon as you wake up.
Set a reminder on your phone to alert you 10 minutes before your scheduled time to study. If you’re not going to study first thing in the morning, place your Bible, pens, and notebook on your bed as soon as you get up. Seeing these items on your bed will help you keep your commitment to studying for 10 minutes before you turn the TV on or climb into bed if you miss your scheduled time. The items make it harder to dismiss a decision.
New Year, New Blessings
Peter said, “Grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ” (2 Peter 3:18). Growing in grace and knowledge requires intentional time spent in Bible study. Scripture is where we encounter God’s heart and gain a deeper understanding of His truths. Growing in knowledge strengthens our faith in Jesus.
The Bible serves as a vital source of wisdom, correction, and encouragement, guiding us in our daily lives (2 Tim. 3:16).
Just as a plant needs sunlight and water to thrive, our souls require the nourishment of God’s Word to flourish in grace. By prioritizing regular Bible study, we ensure spiritual growth and benefit from a richer, more vibrant relationship with God.
God’s Word is a balm for all our wounds. It is a book of hope that anchors our souls.
This book gives us everything we need to live our best lives. There is wellness in the Word! The Bible has the solutions to every problem we encounter in this life. And one thing I know for sure is I can’t be my best me, and you can’t be your best you, without pouring over the words on these pages.
Do you believe that, too?
Commit to obedience to God’s command, showing Him our love and devotion by making time in His Word our top priority. Resolutions like these don’t just impact our lives—they also pour into the lives of those we love. Let’s challenge ourselves to think beyond physical and personal growth and focus on the spiritual goals that lead us and those we love closer to the Lord.
About the Author
Jill has been a faithful Christian for many years. She is married to a minister and raised three faithful Christian daughters, one of which is me, Natalie. She enjoys gardening, baking, and drawing in her free time.
She uploads Bible study videos to her YouTube channel, Wellness in the Word. In her videos, she discusses personal development, emotional strength, and spiritual growth.
To connect with spiritual encouragement from Jill, click the links to her Facebook page and YouTube channel.
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