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If I’m being honest, there was a season where my Bible sat on my nightstand just gathering dust. I’d see it every morning, feel a twinge of guilt, and then get swept up in the whirlwind. The morning was a blur of clinking cereal bowls, the ‘did you go potty?’ checks, and that impossible ten-minute process of just getting shoes and jackets on before we finally headed out the door.
Between the preschool run for Ellie and keeping up with a busy two-year-old, I struggled to build consistent Bible reading habits for women like me. My brain felt full before I even finished my first cup of coffee. I wanted that “perfect” hour of study, but in reality? I’m just a tired mom trying to find my rhythm.
Even though we plan to homeschool in the future, right now our days are a mix of preschool drop-offs and “survival mode” afternoons. I’ve realized I don’t have to wait for a quiet house to spend time with God.
He doesn’t need an hour of your perfection; He wants ten minutes of your presence.
1. Lower the Bar (The 10-Minute Habit)
Most of us quit because we think we have to do a deep-dive study every single time.
The Habit: Commit to just 10 minutes. If you have more time later, great! But if all you get is 10 minutes while the kids are eating lunch, that counts. God can do a lot with a little.
2. Leave Your Bible in the “Chaos Zone”
If your Bible is tucked away in a drawer, you won’t pick it up.
The Habit: Place your Bible where you actually spend your time. For me, it’s the kitchen counter or in the living room. Seeing it in the middle of your daily “mess” reminds you that God is right there in it with you.
3. Use the “Link” Method for Your Routine
The Habit: Attach your Bible reading to a habit you already have.
- Do you drink coffee every morning? Read one Psalm while it brews.
- Do you sit in the preschool pick-up line? Keep a devotional in the car. Linking it to an existing routine makes it feel less like a “chore” and more like a natural rhythm.
4. Don’t Open to a Random Page
There is nothing that kills a habit faster than opening the Bible and having no idea what to read.
The Habit: Use a reading plan or a simple devotional. Having a “roadmap” takes the decision-making out of it so you can get straight to the truth.
Mom-to-Mom Tip: I’ve shared before how much the Embraced Devotional by Lysa TerKeurst has helped me in this season. It’s perfect for those days when your brain feels too scrambled to know where to start. It’s short, simple, and always meets me right where I am.
5. Listen on the Go (The Audio Bible Habit)
The Habit: Use an audio Bible app.
The “Real Life” Plan: Since we have an 8-hour road trip to Missouri coming up, I’m definitely planning to use an audio Bible or a worship playlist to keep my heart centered while the girls are (hopefully!) napping in the back. Sometimes hearing the verses out loud hits differently than reading them.
6. Write One Verse Down to Keep Your Focus
The Habit: Don’t worry about memorizing a whole chapter. Just find one verse that sticks out and write it on a sticky note. Put it on your bathroom mirror or the fridge.
Pro-Tip: This is also a great way to teach your children about Jesus naturally. When they see you valuing a verse, they notice!
7. Give Yourself Grace in this Journey
The Habit: If you miss a day, don’t let the guilt keep you away for a second day. Remember, guilt is not from God. Conviction leads us back to Him, but shame tries to keep us away. Just start again today.
Final Encouragement
Building a habit isn’t about being “good”—it’s about being consistent. Even if it feels small, those tiny seeds of truth you plant today are going to grow in ways you can’t even see yet.
Which of these habits feels like something you can start tomorrow? I’d love to hear your favorite “busy mom” tips in the comments!
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