My Journey Reading the Entire Bible in 2023
If you know me personally, I probably mentioned The Bible Recap to you at least once in 2023. I was invited to read the Bible chronologically for the year (2023) by a dear friend. Prior to her sharing it with me, I had never heard of the Bible Recap, which is kinda crazy considering (at the time of this post) it is the #2 podcast on Spotify! However, I did have a goal for the year to read more of the Bible, so I figured, why not!
Before I get into it, let me just tell you—I did not start on day 1/January 1st. In fact, I didn’t start until January 4th. So, if you feel like it’s too late, stop right there! You CAN start now. You’ll have to play catch up (and if you’re like me, it won’t be the last time) but believe me when I tell you—it’s SO worth it. Don’t wait to start your Bible in a Year journey until 2025!
“Your word is a lamp for my feet and a light on my path. ”
When I first agreed to participate, I thought, “This will be super good to get me back into habitually reading the Bible. I’ll just get through it and see where it takes me!” I wasn’t wrong, it did help me start habitually reading the bible. Eventually surviving reading daily turned into thriving.
Yes, there were days I didn’t read. Probably about four (probably more) different times I fell behind and had to catch up. But it didn’t take long for me to realize how different I started to feel on the days I chose to read as opposed to the days I didn’t.
I felt more energized. It was easier for me to stay positive throughout the day. Easier to serve my family well and stay productive. I felt lighter—that whole “weight of the world” thing is so real! I was able to feel His presence more often. I had a few different very difficult and scary things happen in 2023 (a car accident where my vehicle was totaled and a surgery to remove an organ are two examples) and during those trials I felt the tangible love and joy of the Lord. I never felt alone. I have never felt more cared for—by my family, my friends, our community. They were difficult circumstances, but it was also the most incredible thing to experience the immense blessing that came from it, blessing that was only possible because of God.
“Every word of God is pure; he is a shield to those who take refuge in him.”
I still had (and have) really hard days—but pursuing the Lord through His Word makes those hard days way more bearable.
Many parts of the Bible were difficult to read. Difficult to get through, difficult to understand. That’s why (especially if it’s your first go of it) I recommend The Bible Recap! There are plenty of other amazing plans out there too, this is just the one I completed and loved! The daily readings are paired with a podcast where the host—Tara-Leigh Cobble—recaps that session. She brings context, history, and helped me make the connections to see the big picture. Having the accompanying podcast really propelled my learning and made me EXCITED to keep reading and learning.
I was hoping this plan would help me habitually read the Bible (and it did), but I wasn’t prepared for it to make me crave the Word and feel inspired to study it as much as I possibly can.
I decided as a way to keep myself accountable, I would share a little recap of my own to Instagram every time I finished a book. And I did! For the whole Old Testament. (Comment if you want me to share all those posts here as well!) I didn’t think anything of it other than a way to keep myself going while sharing what I was learning. The response was awesome! Friends and family were engaging with my thoughts, commenting theirs, and messaging to tell me they were inspired to pick up their Bible that day or asking about the plan I was reading. I never imagined God would use some silly accountability Instagram posts in that way, but I am honored He did!
“For the word of God is living and effective and sharper than any double-edged sword, penetrating as far as the separation of soul and spirit, joints and marrow. It is able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart. ”
My final post upon completing the Old Testament summarizes my thoughts perfectly. I’ll share it here:
I've officially finished the Old Testament on this year's journey reading through the entire Bible. And oh man, do I feel different on the other side!!
I'm energized reading the Bible. Not forcing my eyes to stay open or my brain active. My heart is receptive and I've learned so much about who God is and His heart for His people. His heart for me.
I'm so excited to dive into the New Testament, and I'm eager to study the Old Testament books again!
It's been a while since I felt this much of a desire to pursue the Word and that is exactly what I was hoping this plan would ignite.
I haven't had an easy year so far. In fact, there have been some pretty difficult trials. But my God is good, He is in control. His Word brings me comfort. I have hope in Him, unexplainable joy, and I see His hand in every little detail. Blessings in the hard stuff!
I hope sharing any of this Old Testament journey encouraged you in some way and I hope you'll join me in the New Testament!
My journey through the New Testament did not disappoint. I didn’t document it because I was very busy during that time of year; HOWEVER, I got to read it with my husband and it was so life-giving. Reading and talking about what we learned and how cool Jesus is—I could do that all day with my dude! It was such an enjoyable experience and it was fun to learn and grow together.
Fast forward to today and I am currently reading through a different Bible in a year plan with a group of women who are very dear to me. God blessed me with the most incredible community of women that I’m honored to call friends and do life with. I’m so excited to read through the entire Bible with them!
All this to say—I hope you do it! I hope you take the leap this year and take a journey through the entire Bible! I repeat: It’s not too late! I promise, if you open yourself up to the Word, your life will be changed.
“The grass withers, the flowers fade, but the word of our God remains forever. ”