A Gentle January Bible Study Reset
What is your plan for 2026? I hear that a lot, and we see everyone online sharing their goals, resolutions, and plans. It can all be very overwhelming. When it comes to my plan for my spiritual life, I just know I want to read my Bible better, pray better, and grow spiritually. What I’m looking for is a gentle January Bible study reset.
But how do I do this with peace in my heart?
Why January Often Brings Spiritual Pressure
January is our fresh start. We get to turn a calendar. Start again. But it can also feel like a lot of pressure. Do better….that has always been my theme each time the calendar turns to January. Instead of “doing better,” I want to rest. I want to be ok with small progress, take small steps, and simplify my spiritual life – not complicate it.
This year, I hope you will join me. The spiritual pressure doesn’t have to suffocate us. We can live in freedom, peace, and rest while diving deeper with God. Our heavenly Father desires for us to live a life rooted in grace. Our year does not have to begin with feelings of defeat.
Before the world, even the Christian world, tells you that you have to “do better….” Take a moment to breathe in God’s grace. God isn’t asking you to do more, He is asking you to open up your heart to Him.
What Scripture Says About Beginnings and Grace
Scripture reminds us again and again that God’s beginnings rarely look impressive. He steps into chaos, weakness, and unfinished stories—not polished plans or perfect resolve. When we think of new beginnings, we often imagine a clean slate or renewed discipline, but the Bible shows us something different: God beginning His work in places that feel broken or ordinary.
His mercies are described as “new every morning,” not because we earned them, but because compassion is part of His character (Lamentations 3:22–23). Even when the path ahead feels unclear or barren, God promises to do something new, often in ways we could not have anticipated (Isaiah 43:18–19). What He starts, He faithfully carries through—not because of our consistency, but because of His (Philippians 1:6).
Grace also gives us permission to start exactly where we are, not where we think we should be by now. The invitation of Scripture is never rooted in shame or spiritual performance. We are not asked to catch up, prove ourselves, or undo what we’ve missed. Instead, we are invited to come boldly and honestly before God, trusting His compassion toward our weakness (Hebrews 4:16).
God does not deal with us according to our sins or measure us by our failures, but responds with deep understanding and mercy (Psalm 103:10–14). Grace means we don’t have to fear returning after time away. Beginning again is not a failure—it is often the very place where Jesus meets the weary with rest (Matthew 11:28).
A Gentle January Bible Study Reset
SMALL SUSTAINABLE WAYS TO RE-ENGAGE GOD’S WORD:
- Start with One Psalm, Not a Whole Plan
- Psalms meet us emotionally and spiritually right where we are.
- Encourage reading one psalm slowly rather than multiple chapters quickly.
- Suggest reading it aloud or returning to the same psalm for several days.
Practical example:
- Read Psalm 1 on Monday
- Re-read Psalm 1 on Tuesday
- Pray Psalm 1 on Wednesday
2. Anchor Scripture to an Existing Habit
- Bible reading doesn’t need a brand-new routine—attach it to one you already have.
- Examples:
- One verse while coffee brews
- One psalm before bed
- Scripture on your phone lock screen
Consistency grows best when it’s gentle.
3. Replace “Finishing” with “Faithfulness”
- Let go of the pressure to complete a Bible reading plan.
- Faithfulness looks like returning, not performing.
- Remember, missing a day doesn’t disqualify the rest of the week.
4. Use Scripture as a Conversation, Not an Assignment
After that, when you read the Bible, respond with one simple question:
- What stands out?
- What does this show me about God?
- What do I want to bring to Him in prayer?
5. Let January Be a Threshold, Not a Test
- Frame January as a doorway into presence, not a measuring stick.
- God honors small steps taken in trust.
- Ending with reassurance that beginning again is always welcome.
Don’t Try to Be Perfect
As this new year begins, remember that God is not asking you for a perfect plan or an impressive restart. He is simply inviting you to come. Whether your re-engagement with Scripture looks like one psalm, one verse, or one quiet prayer whispered before the day begins, it matters.
Small beginnings are not overlooked by God—they are often where His grace is most clearly seen. So step into January without fear or guilt. Let this be a season not of striving, but of returning, trusting that the God who meets you here will faithfully walk with you into whatever comes next.
If you’re craving a slower, more intentional rhythm with Scripture, I’d love to invite you to what’s coming next.
As we approach Easter, I’ll be sharing Psalms for the Lenten Journey: Praying Our Way Through Lent—a Scripture-centered blog series designed to help us slow down, pray honestly, and prepare our hearts without pressure or performance. It’s an easy way to continue this gentle reset into the months ahead. You can learn more and sign up here.