The Habit That Changes Everything

June 13th, 2025

How are devotions going for you? Are you struggling to make time to read and study God's Word? Today's blog, courtesy of me (Holly Varnum), provides additional insights as to why time in God's Word produces transformational results in the heart and mind of the reader.

It's the Little Things ...

The power of small, consistent habits in the Christian walk cannot be overstated. I recently spent an amazing week at Trail’s End Ranch in Ekalaka, Montana, helping to run one of our EQUIP apologetics camps. What an empowering, transformative experience it was for so many, staff and campers alike. But let’s be honest―spiritual growth is not found in the occasional spiritual high or powerful worship experience. In one of my sessions with the youth, I wanted to convey that spiritual growth takes the day-by-day, week-by-week approach for it to “stick.” And I got to share solid research that backs this up.

A landmark study by the Center for Bible Engagement uncovered something surprising: reading the Bible at least four times per week radically transforms your life—significantly more so than just once, twice, or even three times a week. The difference at four or more times is so significant, in fact, it’s like flipping a spiritual switch.

What Happens When You Read the Bible 4x/Week?

The study showed that when a person reads Scripture four or more times per week, they are:

30% less likely to struggle with loneliness
32% less likely to experience uncontrolled anger
40% less likely to have bitterness in relationships
57% less likely to abuse alcohol
60% less likely to feel spiritually stagnant
61% less likely to view pornography

The tipping point is clear: something powerful happens when God’s Word becomes a regular part of your life, not just a sporadic one.

“Blessed is the man… [whose] delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night.” – Psalm 1:1–2

“Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth.” – John 17:17

Why This Matters for Your Worldview

A worldview is the lens through which you see and interpret life. It’s revealed through your actions and is based on what you believe about the world and life. It answers your biggest questions—like Where did I come from? Why am I here? What’s right and wrong? What’s my purpose?

Everyone has a worldview. The only question is whether it's shaped by God’s truth or something else.

In today’s culture, competing worldviews are everywhere: secularism, naturalism, postmodernism, relativism, and more. These philosophies offer answers to life’s deepest questions, but all of them―every single one of them without exception―leave people searching, disillusioned, and often hopeless.

That’s why a biblical worldview isn’t optional for believers—it’s essential. But you can’t build a biblical worldview without consistently anchoring your mind in the truth of God’s Word, aka the Bible.

“The unfolding of your words gives light; it imparts understanding to the simple.” – Psalm 119:130

“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” – Psalm 119:105

God’s Word Shapes the Way You See the World

Romans 12:2 (ESV) says, “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind…”

How is your mind renewed? Not through Netflix binges or scrolling social media—but by filling it with the life-giving truth of Scripture. The Bible tells us not only who God is, but who we are, why the world is broken, and where the solution to it is found: Jesus Christ.

Without regular interaction with Scripture, even Christians begin to absorb unbiblical ideas without realizing it. As a result, many believers today hold contradictory views—affirming the authority of the Bible in theory while making daily decisions shaped by culture. And that line of thinking for Christians, sadly, is more common than we’d like to think.

When we spend time in God’s Word, our thinking begins to align with His. Our love for what He loves deepens. Our discernment sharpens. Our confidence grows. And our worldview is no longer driven by opinion, media, or emotion—it’s driven by the character and truth of God. That’s what a true biblical worldview is founded on, and it’s the only pathway to a truly abundant life.

“All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness…” – 2 Timothy 3:16

“But his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night.” – Psalm 1:2

You Can’t Love a God You Don’t Know

Let me be clear about something: reading the Bible isn’t about checking a religious box—it’s about knowing the Author. The Bible is God’s self-revelation. It’s where we see His holiness, justice, grace, mercy, wisdom, and love on display. As we learn about His character, His plans, and His ways, we will start to reflect His character and become more like Him. And that, my friends, is an awesome position to be in.

“And this is eternal life, that they know you the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent.” – John 17:3

“Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you.” – James 4:8a

Want to make sense of your purpose?
Struggling to find peace in a chaotic world?
Longing for your faith to be more than emotional highs?

Open your Bible—and keep coming back.

Where to Start

If reading the Bible consistently feels overwhelming, start small. Here are a few simple steps:

Download our free Reasons for Hope app and access our short daily devotionals by clicking on the “Devotionals” thumbnail.
Start with a Gospel like John or Luke to encounter the person of Jesus.
Read a Psalm and a Proverb each day for encouragement and wisdom.
Use a Bible reading plan—apps like YouVersion or reading guides from trusted ministries offer structured help. (Take a look at The Bible Recap [available through YouVersion or at thebiblerecap.com] and The Bible Project, too.)
Journal your thoughts or prayers as you read. Ask, “What does this show/tell me about God? About myself? About how to live?”

Most importantly, aim for four times a week or more. Make it part of your schedule. Build a rhythm. The stats say it will change your life—and Scripture says it will renew your mind (Romans 12:2).

Conclusion: Don’t Just Read—Be Formed

Do you ever feel confused by the opinions of others and the spiritual noise around you? Honestly, engaging with the Bible regularly is the only way to stay grounded, grow spiritually, and develop a clear biblical worldview—it’s so much more than a habit; it’s a lifeline.

You don’t need to read for hours each day, but consistency is key. Let the Word of God speak into your life multiple times a week. It will shape how you think, how you feel, how you interact with others, and how you understand your place in God’s story. Instead of listening to the world’s voices, choose to listen to the One that leads to a complete and joyful life.

Author Bio:
Holly Varnum, Director of Curriculum Development at Reasons for Hope, has decades of experience working with teens and adults in camp ministry, teaching, leadership, and curriculum writing (A Beka Book, Focus on the Family, and Answers in Genesis, to name a few). Saved at a very young age and with a passion for God’s truth, she has served in various roles including classroom teacher, homeschool mom, instructional coach, administrator, camp counselor, Sunday School and ladies’ Bible study teacher, and conference speaker.

To learn more about Holly or to book her as a speaker for a women's, teen girls', or educational event, please click HERE.

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