You’ve decided to come back to faith. You’re taking small steps toward home. You’re praying again, even if the prayers feel awkward. Maybe you’ve even started attending church.

And now you’re thinking: I should probably read the Bible.

But here’s the problem: You pick it up, and you have no idea where to start. Do you start at the beginning? Do you jump to the New Testament? Do you find one of those “Bible in a year” plans that everyone seems to be doing?

And even if you figure out where to start, there’s another problem: You don’t understand what you’re reading.

The language feels archaic. The cultural context is confusing. The genealogies are endless. The stories seem disconnected. And you’re left wondering: Am I supposed to understand this? Is everyone else getting something I’m missing? Or is it okay to admit that I have no idea what Leviticus is about?

If that’s where you are, this post is for you. Let’s talk about how to read the Bible again after you’ve been away—where to start, how to understand it, and what to do when it doesn’t make sense.

First: Let Go of the Guilt

Before we talk about how to read the Bible, let’s address the guilt you might be carrying.

Maybe you feel bad that you haven’t read it in years. Maybe you’re comparing yourself to people who seem to have the whole thing memorized. Maybe you think you should already understand this stuff, and the fact that you don’t makes you feel like a bad Christian.

Here’s what I want you to know: It’s okay to not understand the Bible at first.

It’s okay to feel lost when you read it. It’s okay to skip over the parts that don’t make sense. It’s okay to need help figuring out what it means.

The Bible isn’t a test you need to pass before God accepts you. It’s not a textbook where you have to master every chapter before moving on. It’s not a secret code that only “real Christians” can crack.

The Bible is how you get to know God. And like any relationship, it takes time. You don’t understand everything about a person the first time you meet them. You learn over time, through conversation and experience.

So if you pick up the Bible and feel confused or overwhelmed, that’s normal. You’re not failing. You’re just starting. And that’s okay.

Where to Actually Start

Here’s the most common mistake people make when trying to read the Bible again: They start at Genesis and try to read straight through.

And look, if that works for you, great. But for most people? They make it through Creation, maybe get through Noah, start to lose steam in the genealogies, and by the time they hit Leviticus and all the laws about grain offerings and skin diseases, they give up entirely.

Here’s a better approach: Start with Jesus.

If you’re coming back to faith, you’re coming back to a relationship with Jesus. So start by getting to know Him.

The Best Place to Start: The Gospel of John

I recommend starting with the Gospel of John. Here’s why:

It’s about Jesus. The whole book is focused on who Jesus is, what He said, what He did, and why it matters. You’re not wading through genealogies or Old Testament law. You’re meeting Jesus directly.

It’s accessible. John writes in a way that’s meant to be understood. He’s writing to help people believe in Jesus, so he explains things clearly.

It’s personal. John was one of Jesus’ closest friends. When you read this Gospel, you’re hearing from someone who walked with Jesus, ate with Him, listened to Him teach, and watched Him die and rise again.

It’s transformative. The stories in John—the woman at the well, the man born blind, Lazarus being raised from the dead, Jesus washing the disciples’ feet—these aren’t just historical accounts. They’re invitations to encounter Jesus yourself.

So if you’re wondering where to start, start there. The Gospel of John. Chapter 1, verse 1. Just start reading.

After John: Where to Go Next

Once you’ve read through John, here are some good next steps:

Read the other Gospels: Matthew, Mark, and Luke. They tell the same story from different perspectives. You’ll see different details, different emphases, different angles on who Jesus is.

Read Romans. This is Paul’s letter explaining the core of the Christian faith—who God is, what sin is, what Jesus did, and what it means for us. It’s theological, but it’s also incredibly practical.

Read James. This is a short, punchy letter about what faith looks like in everyday life. It’s practical wisdom that you can apply immediately.

Read Psalms. Not all at once—just one or two at a time. These are prayers and songs, many of them written by people in the middle of hard, messy, confusing seasons. They’re honest, raw, and deeply relatable.

Then branch out. Once you’ve spent some time in the Gospels, Romans, James, and Psalms, you’ll have a foundation. From there, you can explore other parts of the Bible as you’re ready.

How to Actually Understand What You’re Reading

Okay, so you’ve picked a place to start. You’re reading. But you still don’t understand it. Now what?

Here are some practical tips for understanding the Bible:

1. Read Slowly

You’re not trying to check a box or hit a daily verse count. You’re trying to encounter God. So slow down.

Read a chapter. Or even just a few verses. Then stop and think about what you just read.

• What did I just learn about God?
• What did I learn about myself or humanity?
• Is there something here that challenges me? Comforts me? Confuses me?

You don’t have to read a lot to read well. Better to read one chapter slowly and think about it than to skim five chapters and retain nothing.

2. Use a Readable Translation

If you’re reading the King James Version and you keep stumbling over “thee” and “thou” and “verily I say unto you,” switch translations.

Try the New International Version (NIV) or the New Living Translation (NLT). These are written in modern English and are much easier to understand.

The goal isn’t to read the “holiest-sounding” version. The goal is to understand what God is saying. Use a translation that helps you do that.

3. Don’t Be Afraid to Skip the Confusing Parts

Yes, really.

If you hit a passage that doesn’t make sense, it’s okay to skip it and come back later. You don’t have to master every genealogy, every Old Testament law, every prophetic vision before you move on.

Mark it. Make a note. Come back to it when you’re ready. But don’t let one confusing passage derail your entire Bible reading.

4. Ask Questions

When you don’t understand something, ask:

• What’s the context here? Who’s writing? Who are they writing to? What’s happening in the story?
• What did this mean to the original audience?
• What does this tell me about God?
• How does this connect to Jesus?

You don’t have to answer all these questions yourself. Which brings me to the next point…

5. Use Help

You don’t have to figure out the Bible on your own. Use resources:

• Bible apps (like YouVersion) often have reading plans, devotionals, and notes that explain passages.
• Study Bibles have notes at the bottom of each page that give context and explanation.
• Commentaries are books that walk through the Bible and explain what’s happening. You can find free ones online.
• Trusted pastors or teachers on YouTube or podcasts who teach through books of the Bible.
• A friend or mentor who knows the Bible well and can help you process what you’re reading.

There’s no shame in needing help. In fact, the early church didn’t have individual Bibles at all—they learned from teachers and from each other. You’re in good company.

6. Pray Before You Read

This might sound overly spiritual, but it’s actually really practical.

Before you open the Bible, pray something like: “God, help me understand what I’m about to read. Speak to me through Your Word.”

The Bible isn’t just any book. It’s how God speaks. And if you’re asking Him to help you hear Him, He will.

What to Do When It Still Doesn’t Make Sense

Even with all these tips, there are going to be parts of the Bible that don’t make sense. Stories that seem harsh or confusing. Commands that feel outdated or strange. Passages that seem to contradict each other.

Here’s what you do:

1. It’s okay to not understand everything right now. You don’t have to have all the answers. Some things will make sense over time. Some things might never fully make sense in this life. That’s okay.

2. Focus on what’s clear. The Bible is incredibly clear about the most important things: God loves you. Jesus died for you. You’re invited into relationship with Him. Grace is a gift, not something you earn. Start there. Build on that foundation.

3. Bring your questions to God. Don’t avoid the confusing parts. Talk to God about them. “God, I don’t understand this. Help me understand, or help me trust You even when I don’t.”

4. Talk to someone you trust. A pastor, a mentor, a friend who knows the Bible. Ask your questions. Let them help you think through the passages that confuse you.

The Goal Isn’t Information—It’s Transformation

Here’s the most important thing I want you to understand about reading the Bible:

The goal isn’t to know more. The goal is to know God.

You’re not reading to become a Bible trivia expert. You’re not reading to impress anyone with your knowledge. You’re not reading because you “should.”

You’re reading because this is how you get to know the God who loves you. This is how you hear His voice. This is how you learn to recognize His character, His heart, His promises.

When you read about Jesus healing the sick, you’re learning that God cares about suffering.

When you read about Jesus eating with sinners, you’re learning that God welcomes the broken.

When you read about Jesus forgiving Peter after he denied Him, you’re learning that God’s grace is bigger than your failure.

This isn’t just information. This is transformation.

Start Small, Start Now

So here’s your invitation: Pick up the Bible. Open to John 1. Read a few verses. Slowly.

Don’t worry about reading the whole thing by the end of the month. Don’t stress about understanding everything. Don’t compare yourself to anyone else.

Just start.

Read. Think. Pray. Ask questions.

And as you do, you’ll start to hear God’s voice. You’ll start to see how His story connects to your story. You’ll start to understand who He is and what He’s done for you.

The Bible isn’t a barrier to knowing God. It’s a bridge.

So cross it. One verse at a time. One chapter at a time. One day at a time.

God is speaking. And He’s inviting you to listen.

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Quick Start Guide:

Today:

• Get a Bible (physical or app—YouVersion or Bible Gateway)
• Open to John chapter 1
• Read verses 1-18
• Ask yourself: What does this tell me about who Jesus is?

This Week:

• Read one chapter of John per day (or every few days—no pressure)
• Use the NLT or NIV translation if the language feels confusing
• Pray before you read: “God, help me hear You today”

Resources to Help:

• YouVersion Bible app (free)
• BibleProject videos on YouTube (short, animated explanations of Bible books)
• A study Bible (try the NIV Study Bible or Life Application Study Bible)

Remember:

• Slow is better than fast
• Understanding takes time
• Questions are welcome
• You’re not doing this alone

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Where are you going to start reading? What questions do you have about the Bible? Drop a comment below—I’d love to help you get started.