From “More” to Four: Making Bible Reading Measurable

“Read your Bible more!”

I’ve heard some version of that advice my entire life. And I agree with it! But there’s always been one problem:

What exactly does “more” mean?

Every day? An hour every morning? A chapter a night? And if I miss a day, am I already failing?

This past Sunday at church, my pastor shared the benefits people experience when they read their Bible at least four times a week, and that number really stuck with me.

Four times a week.

That’s tangible. That’s doable. And apparently, it can make a pretty significant difference.

When you spend time in God’s word at least four times a week, you can experience things like

30% less loneliness, 32% less anger and bitterness, greater joy and motivation, increased generosity, and greater likelihood of sharing your faith and investing in other believers.

Of course, four isn’t some magic number. God isn’t sitting in Heaven with a punch card waiting for us to get our fourth Bible reading in.

But I find the number helpful because it gives me somewhere to start.

Instead of vaguely telling myself, I really need to read my Bible more, I can say:

This week, I’m going to spend time in Scripture four times.

Maybe it’s ten minutes before work. Maybe it’s one chapter before bed. Maybe some days it’s longer and some days it’s shorter.

The point isn’t hitting a quota.

It’s giving God’s voice a regular place in my week.

Because between social media, news, work, other people and my own thoughts, there are plenty of voices competing for my attention and promoting negative thinking.

Maybe four times a week is simply a practical way to make sure God’s is one I’m hearing regularly.