How Regularly Being in God's Word Changes Everything
“Mom, remember when all you could cook was tuna casserole and hot dogs?”
I can now laugh when my family brings up the early days of my cooking “career.” There was a time when my go-to meals were tuna casserole and hot dogs. And let me tell you, I made those on repeat like they were gourmet! I didn’t grow up knowing how to cook, and my first attempts were more about survival than flavor. But what I lacked in skill, I made up for in curiosity. I started watching cooking shows: the kind where Southern grandmas sprinkle secrets and seasoning in equal measure. Little by little, I began to learn. Not just how to follow a recipe, but how to trust the process.
Now? I run a Southern comfort food catering business. The same woman who once Googled how to boil eggs now hears people say, “This is the best mac and cheese I’ve ever had.” And it didn’t happen overnight. It took watching, practicing, failing, trying again. Eventually, cooking became second nature.
The same is true of our walk with God.
If you’ve ever felt spiritually dry, inconsistent, or unsure of how to start reading your Bible, I want to offer you something honest: you don’t have to have it all figured out to begin. You don’t need a seminary degree or a color-coded journal. You just need a heart that’s willing to sit with God, even if all you have is five quiet minutes and a well-worn Bible. Because, sister, regularly being in God’s Word truly changes people.
I’m living proof.
The Word Works, Whether You’re a Beginner or a Bible Veteran
Hebrews 4:12 reminds us, “For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword…” This isn’t just poetic language. It’s a promise. God’s Word is living. It meets us where we are, cuts through confusion, and speaks to our souls.
But just like learning to cook, getting into a rhythm with Scripture takes time. You won’t always “feel” something right away. Some days the Word might feel dry or repetitive. But the transformation happens in the regular returning.
How God’s Word Has Changed Me
I used to approach life with a “make it work” mindset. I’d hustle through the day, pray when I remembered, and open my Bible only when I needed a quick fix or an encouraging verse. Yep, hard to admit but it’s true.
But when life grew complicated, that kind of faith came undone like a band-aid on a sweaty knee.
I needed more than quick encouragement. I needed deep roots. And that’s what I found when I committed to being in God’s Word regularly.
Not perfectly. But regularly.
The more I read, the more I recognized God’s voice. The more I returned to His Word, the more grounded I felt. Worry stopped bossing me around. My confidence grew, not in myself, but in who God says I am. Peace became my portion, not because life got easier, but because I finally knew where to run when it didn’t.
God’s Word shaped my reactions. Softened my heart. Corrected my attitude. And, honestly, gave me wisdom for everything from parenting to business decisions. The more I fed on His Word, the more spiritually nourished I became.
A Lesson in Habits
Looking back, I can see the connection. Just like cooking, I had to learn Scripture through exposure, repetition, and hunger.
At first, I followed devotionals like I followed recipes. I devoured someone else’s instructions, someone else’s seasoning. But as I matured, I started experimenting by reading full chapters, comparing translations, journaling prayers. I found what “flavors” resonated with me.
And here’s the thing: I didn’t become a chef overnight, and I didn’t become spiritually grounded overnight either. But through daily practice, I discovered the richness of both.
5 Ways to Develop a Regular Habit of Being in God’s Word
If you’re unsure where to begin, I want to offer you five grace-filled, doable ways to start building a regular rhythm with the Word:
1. Tie It to Something You Already Do
Habit-stacking works. Do you drink coffee or tea every morning? Open your Bible while the kettle heats up. Do you scroll your phone before bed? Replace five minutes of that with five verses from Psalms. It doesn’t have to be long — it just has to be consistent.
“Blessed is the one…whose delight is in the law of the Lord, and who meditates on his law day and night.” – Psalm 1:1-2
2. Start Small, But Be Steady
You don’t need to read three chapters a day. Start with a single verse and sit with it. Read it aloud. Write it down. Ask God what He’s saying to you. It’s not about quantity. It’s about relationship.
3. Use a Reading Plan or Devotional
If you’re not sure where to begin, try a topical reading plan or a devotional you trust. Some days it helps to have a guide, just like a recipe helps in the kitchen. Eventually, you’ll feel confident exploring on your own.
4. Create a “Come Back” Space
Have a designated spot where you meet with God. A comfy chair, a candle, a Bible and notebook nearby. Let it become your meeting place. When life gets chaotic, you’ll have a place of peace to return to.
5. Don’t Let Guilt Keep You From Returning
Miss a day? Start again. Been weeks? Pick it back up. God isn’t tracking your record. His Word will always welcome you back.
“The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning…” – Lamentations 3:22–23
God’s Word Will Season Your Life
Just like the right seasoning brings out the flavor in food, God’s Word brings out the purpose and beauty in our lives. It sharpens our discernment, steadies our hearts, and draws us closer to His character.
And here’s what I know: once you taste and see how good God’s Word is, you won’t want to go without it. You’ll start to crave it: not because it’s a religious duty, but because it feeds your soul.
People tell me they love my cooking which, considering where I started, blows my mind. What they may not know is that everything I’ve learned in the kitchen was shaped by what I’ve learned in God’s Word: patience, persistence, creativity, and serving others with love.
So, if you’re feeling unqualified, unsure, or like you’ll never get the hang of daily Bible reading: I’ve been there. If God can take a woman who once overcooked ramen noodles in a crockpot and turn her into a caterer, He can absolutely grow a deep hunger for His Word in you.
Let’s Start Today
Here’s a simple prayer to get you going. Print it. Pray it. Return to it.
Prayer:
Lord, I want to know You more. I want Your Word to take root in my heart, not just visit my mind. Help me carve out time to sit with You, even if it’s just a few quiet moments. Give me understanding when I read and a hunger to keep coming back. Thank You for Your patience with me. I believe Your Word will change me from the inside out. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Resources to get started
Are you unsure what you need to start a new routine with God? Or are you looking for new resources? Make sure to check out the things I use every morning during my time with God.
SAVE ON PINTEREST!
Want to Stay in the Loop Without the Overwhelm?
If you’re looking for a way to stay updated on current events without the anxiety that often comes with the news, check out The Pour Over. It’s a free daily newsletter that delivers the biggest headlines paired with brief Christian perspectives to help you stay informed while keeping your focus on Christ. You can sign up here: The Pour Over.
Regina is a writer, homeschooling mom, and owner of a comfort food catering business. A contributor to several publications, she is also an advocate for young adults with developmental disabilities and serves on the Compel Pro volunteer leadership team. Living in Ohio with her family, she designs Squarespace websites for fellow creatives and spends her free time cheering her sons from the sidelines or sipping tea while chatting about God’s goodness with women.
