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When You Don't Have Time for Bible Study
Maghan Tisl
6/30/20263 min read
Finding Faithfulness in the Middle of a Full Life
If you've ever said, "I want to study my Bible more... I just don't have time," you're certainly not alone.
For many women, life is beautifully full—but also incredibly busy. Between work, caring for children, keeping up with the house, serving at church, running errands, answering emails, and trying to carve out a few moments to rest, it can feel like every minute of the day already belongs to someone else.
Bible study often becomes the thing we intend to do tomorrow.
Then tomorrow becomes next week.
Before long, discouragement sets in.
But here's the good news: God isn't asking for perfection. He's inviting you into relationship.
Start Small—Really Small
One of the biggest mistakes we make is believing that a meaningful Bible study has to last an hour.
While there is certainly value in extended study, consistency is built through small, faithful steps.
Jesus reminded Martha of this truth when she became overwhelmed with everything that needed to be done:
"But one thing is necessary. Mary has made the right choice, and it will not be taken away from her." — Luke 10:42
Mary chose to sit at Jesus' feet. It wasn't because her responsibilities disappeared—it was because she recognized that spending time with Him mattered most.
If your schedule feels impossible right now, begin with just 10–15 minutes.
Not every day if that feels overwhelming.
Try two or three days this week.
Read one passage. Pray. Write down one thing God teaches you.
Small beginnings often grow into lasting habits.
Habit Stack Your Bible Study
One of the easiest ways to create a new routine is to attach it to something you're already doing.
This is often called habit stacking, and it can make Bible study feel much more natural.
Consider pairing your study time with an existing daily habit:
Read one chapter while drinking your morning coffee.
Spend ten minutes in Scripture after dropping the kids off at school.
Listen to the Bible while taking your daily walk.
Journal before climbing into bed each evening.
The goal isn't to find more time.
It's to intentionally use time you already have.
Schedule It Like an Appointment
If Bible study is something we hope happens "when there's time," it often won't happen.
Life has a way of filling every empty space.
Instead, choose a specific day and time.
Write it in your planner.
Add it to your phone calendar.
Set a reminder.
Treat your time with the Lord like you would any important appointment—because it truly is.
Psalm 90:12 reminds us:
"Teach us to number our days carefully so that we may develop wisdom in our hearts."
Being intentional with our time isn't about creating a rigid schedule. It's about making room for what matters most.
Abide in Him
Bible study isn't another task to check off your to-do list.
It's where we come to know the heart of God.
It's where we find wisdom for difficult decisions.
It's where we receive encouragement when life feels heavy.
It's where our faith grows.
Jesus said:
"Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me." — John 15:4
The more consistently we spend time in God's Word, the more our lives begin to reflect Him.
Grace Over Guilt
There will be days when your plans fall apart.
A sick child.
An unexpected phone call.
A long workday.
A sleepless night.
Missing one day doesn't mean you've failed.
Simply begin again tomorrow.
God's mercies are "new every morning" (Lamentations 3:22–23), and every new day is another invitation to spend time with Him.
Consistency isn't about never missing a day.
It's about continually returning to God's Word.
Ready to Build a Bible Study Habit?
If you're looking for practical guidance to help you create a consistent Bible study routine, my guide Abide: Building a Daily Bible Study Habit was created just for you.
Inside you'll discover:
Five simple Bible study methods explained step by step
Printable study templates
Tips for overcoming common obstacles—including lack of time
Guidance for building a routine that fits your season of life
Encouragement to help you stay consistent in God's Word
No matter how busy life feels today, remember that you don't have to do everything at once.
Start with ten minutes.
Open your Bible.
Meet with God where you are.
Faithfulness grows one small step at a time.
