How To Start Reading the Bible When You’re Overwhelmed

Written By Faith Bruner

Ever opened your Bible with the best intentions… and immediately felt overwhelmed?

Maybe you’ve thought:

“I don’t know where to start.”
“Why does this feel confusing?”
“Everyone else seems to understand this except me.”

Girl, you are not alone.

Feeling overwhelmed by the Bible doesn’t make you a bad Christian. It usually just means no one ever taught you how to study it.

Why the Bible Feels Intimidating

Let’s be honest: the Bible is BIG.

It’s not one single book; it’s a collection of books written by different authors, in different time periods, cultures, and writing styles.

So if you randomly open to Leviticus expecting instant clarity… whew

That confusion is normal.

Common Beginner Mistakes

Starting at Genesis and trying to power through

You can do this—but many beginners burn out fast.

Reading without context

A verse can mean something very different when you understand who’s speaking, who they’re talking to, and what’s happening.

Trying to do too much too fast

You do not need a 90-minute quiet time and 14 highlighters.

Start simple.

Comparing yourself to other Christians

Your faith walk does not need to look aesthetic to be authentic.

Where to Start Instead

Start with the Gospel of John.

Why?

Because if your goal is knowing Jesus, start with Jesus.

Read small sections & not huge chunks.

Even 5–10 verses is enough.

Ask:to know

  • What does this teach me about God?

  • What stands out?

  • What confuses me?

  • How does this apply to my life?

Beginner-Friendly Bible Tools

You do not need to be a Bible scholar.

Helpful tools:

  • NIV or NLT Bible

  • Study Bible

  • Bible app

  • Commentary

  • Notebook/journal

Simple wins.

If You Still Don’t Understand…

Don’t quit.

Even mature Christians study context and ask questions.

Growth happens over time.

James 4:8 says, “Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you.”

Notice it doesn’t say “Figure everything out first.”

Final Encouragement

Start small.

One passage.
One takeaway.
One prayer.

That’s enough.

You do not have to become a Bible expert overnight.

You just have to begin.

Rooted in Christ exists to help women understand the Bible with confidence, context, and practical encouragement, without the overwhelm.

Faith Bruner