What I Wish I Knew Before Reading the Bible

When I first started reading the Bible, I felt overwhelmed. I didn’t know where to start, how to understand what I was reading, or if I was even “doing it right.”

Sound familiar? If you’ve ever opened your Bible and thought, “Am I doing enough?” or “Why doesn’t this stick?”—you are NOT alone. Over the past few weeks on my YouTube channel, I’ve been sharing some of my favorite tips to help you finally feel confident and excited about your Bible study time.

And friend, I wish I had known these things sooner.

PIN IT!

1️⃣ Bible Reading Isn’t the Same as Bible Study

• Reading gives you the big picture of Scripture, either as a whole, or one book at time.

• Study is where you slow down and engage with God’s Word in a way that transforms you by simply learning more about Him.

You don’t need hours each day. Even just 10 focused minutes can change everything if you know how to approach it.

2️⃣ Highlighting Can Be Powerful (If You Know How to Use It!)

I used to grab a highlighter and randomly mark verses that “looked pretty.” But now? I use color-coding and simple highlighting techniques that help me see themes, connect truths, and remember what I’ve read.

This isn’t about making your Bible Instagram-worthy—it’s about engaging your heart and mind with the living Word of God.

3️⃣ Personalize Your Bible Study

Your Bible is meant to be lived in! Whether it’s:

• Jotting down prayers in the margins

• Doodling to help you remember key points

• Using sticky notes and verse mapping

…personalizing your study makes Scripture feel alive and approachable.

4️⃣ If You’re a Visual Learner… I’ve Got You!

Are you like me and need color, charts, and visuals to stay focused? In my latest video, I shared my favorite Bibles for visual learners—and they’ve truly changed the way I study.

✨ These are perfect if you:

• Struggle to focus when reading

• Learn better with color and design

Want Bible study to feel less overwhelming? Check out the video

Why I LOVE these Bibles for visual learners:
✅ NLT Illustrated Study Bible – maps, charts, and full-color visuals Click Here
✅ CSB Explorer Bible – interactive tools for beginners or kids-at-heart Click Here
✅ Rainbow Study Bible (Holman) – fully color-coded themes Click Here
✅ My Proverbs Interleaved Bible – dot grid pages for creative notes & doodles Click Here

Bible study doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. You just need tools that work for how you learn. And I promise—it can be simple and fun (yes, fun!).

You’ve got this. And I’m right here cheering you on.

In Christ,
Nicki

P.S. If you would like to study the Bible with me and the other Crazy Simple Study Sisters, please check out my website for more information! We'd love to have you join us.

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