Where Do I Start? (Bible Reading, Journaling, & Staying Rooted) | Episode 411

In this solo episode, I'm answering two of the most common questions I get: where to start in the Bible and how to journal in a way that actually helps you grow.

I'm not giving you a rigid formula here. Just some simple, practical rhythms that have helped me stay grounded in my relationship with God.

Where to Start in the Bible

Whether the Bible feels overwhelming or overly familiar, my recommendation is the same:

Start with the book of John and the Psalms.

The Psalms are raw, emotional, and deeply human. They show you how to bring real feelings, fear, doubt, anger, grief, all of it, before God, while consistently returning to truth. They're a model for processing life honestly while anchoring yourself in who God is.

John, on the other hand, focuses on who Jesus is. While the other Gospels emphasize events, John emphasizes identity. It offers a clearer, more relational picture of Christ and helps you connect personally with Him.

Together, these two books give you both emotional honesty and theological clarity.

A Better Way to Read the Bible

I'm a big believer in slowing down rather than rushing through Scripture.

Reading the Bible in a year can be valuable, sure, but it can also feel overwhelming, especially if you're just starting out. Instead, I recommend staying in smaller sections longer and actually letting them shape your thinking and behavior.

A helpful next step after John and Psalms is the book of Colossians. It offers practical guidance for how to live as a Christian. It's short but dense, which makes it perfect for slow, intentional study.

Journaling: What It Actually Looks Like

Journaling is not about structure or perfection. At its core, it's just a conversation with God.

A typical journal entry for me might include:

• Writing out a passage of Scripture
• Taking notes or observations
• Processing personal thoughts or convictions
• Turning those thoughts into prayer
• Praying for others
• Reflecting on the day or expressing gratitude

Not every entry includes all of these elements, but this general flow helps me connect Scripture, personal reflection, and prayer in a natural way.

The Freedom of Messy Journaling

One of the biggest barriers to journaling is the pressure to do it "right." Letting go of perfectionism was a huge turning point for me.

Journaling doesn't need to be neat, organized, or even fully readable. It doesn't require a specific notebook or pen. What matters is honesty.

Some entries are structured and thoughtful. Others are rushed, emotional, or scattered. Both are valuable. God is not concerned with how it looks, He's concerned with your heart.

Daily Anchors That Keep You Rooted

Rather than relying on a single quiet time, I build small points of connection with God throughout my day.

These include:

• Morning Bible reading and journaling
• Prayer while starting the day
• Brief moments of prayer before beginning work
• Gratitude while completing daily tasks
• Reflection and journaling at night

These "anchors" aren't meant to be burdensome. They're simple reminders that keep me connected to God in the middle of everyday life.

Why These Practices Matter

I want to be really clear, these habits are not about performance. They exist because we're naturally forgetful and prone to drift.

Without intentional reminders, it's so easy to rely on yourself, lose perspective, and become overwhelmed. These small, consistent practices help re-center my mind on truth and keep my relationship with God active throughout the day.

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