I'm sure you've been there...or maybe you're there now.
Stuck in a rut with your Bible study routine—or maybe you don’t have a routine at all?
I get it. Life gets busy. Between kids, laundry, meals, and all the little fires that need to be put out each day, it’s easy for Bible study to become just another box to check (or one that gets left unchecked altogether).
But just like we deep clean our homes in the spring, sometimes we need to do the same with our spiritual routines. A fresh start can breathe new life into our time with the Lord, helping us to grow in godliness and be the wives and moms He’s called us to be.
Why Your Bible Study Routine Might Need a Spring Cleaning
If your quiet time has started to feel dry, repetitive, or just plain nonexistent, that’s a sign it’s time to shake things up.
Maybe you've been relying on quick devotionals ("something is better than nothing") instead of digging into Scripture yourself.
Maybe you've lost your passion for studying because you don't know where to start.
Or maybe you’re simply in a busy season, and your study habits have slipped away altogether.
Whatever your situation, the good news is that God’s Word is living and active (Hebrews 4:12), and He is always ready to meet you—no matter how long it’s been.
Think about your home in the middle of winter. It gets cluttered, dusty, and in need of a good refresh.
The same thing can happen with our spiritual habits! We can fall into routines that aren’t serving us well, and without realizing it, we start feeling distant from God.
That’s why spring is the perfect time to reset—to clean out what’s not working and replace it with fresh, life-giving habits that help you stay consistently engaging with and growing in the Word.
How to Refresh Your Bible Study Routine
Okay but...how exactly do you go about “spring cleaning” your Bible study time? Here are a few simple but powerful steps to get started:
- Reevaluate Your Routine (or Create One!) – If you don’t have a set Bible study habit, now is the time to start! Even if it’s just 5-10 minutes a day, having a consistent rhythm makes all the difference. If you do have a routine but it’s feeling stale, ask yourself: What’s working? What isn’t? Do I need to adjust my time, location, or study method?
- Declutter the Distractions – Just like physical clutter makes it hard to focus at home, distractions can keep us from diving deep into God’s Word. Are you constantly reaching for your phone? Do the kids always seem to need something the moment you open your Bible? Try setting up a quiet, designated space, even if it’s just a corner of your bedroom or a spot at the kitchen table before everyone else wakes up. Yes, you might lose a little sleep, but it will be worth it!
- Choose a Fresh Approach – If you’ve been relying on devotionals, try reading straight from the Bible using an inductive study method like SOAP (Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer) or Verse Mapping. Studying the Word for yourself (instead of only reading someone else’s thoughts) will deepen your understanding and help you grow spiritually.
- Make It Exciting Again – Sometimes we just need a change of scenery or a new tool to spark joy in our study time! Get a new journal, try using highlighters and sticky notes, or listen to an audio Bible while taking a prayer walk. Find little ways to make your time with God something you look forward to.
- Tie It to Your Role as a Wife and Mom – Your time in the Word isn’t just for you—it’s for your family, too. What you learn and apply will shape your marriage, your parenting, and your home. If you’re struggling with submission, patience, or showing love to your husband and kids, let your Bible study focus on what God’s Word says about those things. Ask Him to refine your heart so you can be the helper your husband needs and the example your children follow.
What to Actually DO During Your Bible Study Time
It’s one thing to set aside time for Bible study—but what should you do during that time? Here’s a simple, effective flow to guide you:
- Begin with Prayer – Ask God to open your heart and mind to His truth. Pray for wisdom, understanding, and a heart that is eager to learn and obey.
- Read a Chapter or Passage – Choose a book of the Bible and read it systematically (instead of hopping around). Take your time—this isn’t a race.
- Make Observations – As you read, ask yourself: What stands out? What do I learn about God? About people? About the context? Write these things down.
- Journal Questions and Insights – If something confuses you or you want to study a certain topic deeper, jot it down. Write out insights that feel like God is speaking to your heart.
- List Out Applications – What is this passage teaching you about your role as a wife? A mom? A woman of God? Write down one or two ways you feel called to live out what you’ve just read.
- Close in Prayer – Ask God to keep His Word fresh in your heart throughout the day. Pray that He would shape you, transform you, and help you apply what you've learned in your marriage, parenting, and daily life.
This process keeps you engaged, intentional, and growing every single day.
BUT NOTE THIS! If you only have 5-10 minutes, you likely will not be able to do all of that in one sitting. THAT'S OKAY! Begin with prayer, then do the next step from where you left off the day before, and then close in prayer. You don't have to do it at once.
That's where so many of us get stuck and quit. Don't quit. Just do as much as you can with the time that you have.
Sticking with It for the Long Haul
Spring cleaning isn’t just about tidying up—it’s about maintaining a fresh and inviting space.
The same goes for Bible study. To keep from slipping back into inconsistency, find ways to stay accountable.
Maybe that’s joining a study group, setting a reminder on your phone, or asking a friend to check in with you. And most importantly, pray! Ask God to give you a hunger for His Word and the discipline to stay committed.
Know that even if you don't "feel" like you're getting anything out of it, or you don't "feel" motivated to read or study, it's still an important discipline to develop and an instruction to follow, regardless of whether we feel like it.
Sweet friend, your time with the Lord is worth it. Jesus is worth it!
A refreshed, re-engaged, and re-energized Bible study habit will not only transform your heart, but will overflow into your marriage, your motherhood, and your home. Let this be the season where you fall in love with studying Scripture again.
So, are you ready to spring clean your Bible study routine? I’d love to hear how you’re making this a priority in your life!
Share your thoughts in the comments, and send this to a friend who could use some encouragement today.
Buckle up, buttercup; this topic may get a little bumpy.
Let me first say that if just the title of this post gets your blood boiling, there is clearly some unlearning and biblical learning that needs to happen. I have been there; I get it.
With that note out of the way, let’s chat about something I’ve wrestled with (and I'm sure you have to, unless it's a topic you've been told to ignore): serving my husband.
In our current feminist society, serving your husband is something only weak, controlled, subservient "trad wives" do. The world will tell you that in marriage, you shouldn't have to serve your husband. You should be equals and make each other happy and show mutual respect (some of which is true).
Scripturally, we're called to serve one another as a body of believers:
Galatians 5:13
For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.
Ephesians 6:7-8
Rendering service with a good will as to the Lord and not to man, knowing that whatever good anyone does, this he will receive back from the Lord, whether he is a slave or free.
Wives are called to submit to their husbands, which in and of itself is service to him. Being a "keeper at home" per Titus 2 is an act of service. When you apply those passages alongside the others that call believers to serve one another, it's obvious wives have a particular role in serving their husbands.
I don't know about you, but as a Christian, my goal is to understand Scripture so that I can apply and OBEY it. Obedience to God is EVERYTHING.
Simply knowing what the Bible says doesn't do us any good if we don't seek to live it out (even the demons acknowledge Jesus; the difference is they don't obey Him).
And so, the quest began to serve my husband out of obedience to Christ.
For a long time, “serving” felt like a chore, something I had to do because I was the wife.
But when I began to understand that serving him was a way to honor God and pour love into my marriage, my perspective shifted.
Serving your husband doesn’t have to mean elaborate meals or Pinterest-worthy gestures (unless that’s your thing - it's definitely not mine).
It can be as simple as asking how you can pray for him or surprising him with his favorite snack (Aldi has great random snack finds!).
The key is doing it with joy, not resentment or obligation.
- When you serve joyfully, it’s like planting seeds of love that will grow over time.
- When you serve joyfully, God is honored and glorified.
- When you serve joyfully, YOU will be more joyful.
- When you serve joyfully, your husband feels more loved and respected.
- When you serve joyfully, you set a biblical example for your children, your friends, and all of those in your circle of influence.
This month, why not make it fun?
Think of creative ways to bless your husband.
- Write him a note each day leading up to Valentine’s, telling him one thing you appreciate about him.
- Plan a date night that focuses on something he loves, even if it’s not your favorite (Top Golf?).
- Take on one of his chores for the day as an act of kindness.
- Rub his shoulders or back, or his legs if he holds tension there.
- Fill a jar with Hershey's hugs and kisses and give him a real one each time he takes out a candy.
- Send him a "meat bouquet" or a "jerky heart".
Remember, serving isn’t about getting something in return. It’s about showing Christ’s love in a tangible way.
And when you do it joyfully, your heart softens, your connection deepens, and your marriage gets a little sweeter.
So grab your planner or a sticky note and jot down some simple ideas to serve your husband today. Little things add up to big love.
Share your ideas in the comments, too! Let's inspire and encourage our sisters in Christ today!
Sweet friend, we know a strong marriage doesn’t just happen like in movies. In real life, creating a heavenly marriage requires intentionality, prayer, and inviting God into the center of your relationship.
It's too easy to get lost in the busyness of life, or the frustration of being married to someone who sins just like you do, and you forget to ask God to guide you how He sees fit in your marriage.
Since we're still in the beginning of a brand new year, let’s talk about three simple ways to intentionally invite God into your marriage.
First, commit to praying over your marriage, yourself as a wife, and your husband, regularly. Even if your husband isn’t a Christian, your prayers can make a powerful difference. Ask God to guide your heart, give you wisdom, and work in your husband’s life. Trust that God is at work even when you don’t see immediate results.
- Pray over your marriage itself, that God will use it to raise strong, godly children, that He will use the two of you together to exemplify the relationship between Christ and the Church as He designed marriage to function.
- Pray over yourself, that you would grow into the godly wife He's created you to be, and the one your husband needs you to be. For Scripture-based prayers you can pray over your growth as a wife, check out the Prayer Cards I've created based on Titus 2 and 1 Peter 3 HERE.
- Pray over your husband, not just that he would be the godly husband you need him to be, but pray over him as a man in general: for blessings, success at work, for his growth as a dad, as a friend, as a follower of Christ (or that he would give his heart to Christ if he hasn't yet).
Second, apply Scripture to your own actions within your marriage. Focus on how you can reflect Christ through love, patience, and kindness. When you live out biblical principles, you create a testimony of God’s grace that speaks louder than words.
It's important to study God's Word so that you know what God expects of you as a wife. Understanding your own role as a wife, and committing to obey God's instructions to wives regardless of whether your husband obeys, is crucial. As you study, learning how to make observations, correctly interpret, and accurately apply what you're learning is so important.
Often we read over Scripture and don't actually absorb it, or allow it to transform us. God gave us His Word in order that we can get to know Him, His heart, and His instructions for us. If you find yourself frequently wishing you could just hear God speak audibly to you and tell you what to do or what He wants from you, it's possible that you aren't absorbing or being transformed yet by what you're reading in the Bible. I am passionate about helping women learn how to do this, so if you don't follow me yet on Instagram or Facebook, make sure to go follow me now, and get on my email list!
Third, create a Christ-centered atmosphere in your home. Play worship music, display Scripture art, and prioritize joy and peace in your daily interactions. Even small changes can create an environment where God’s presence feels tangible.
Allow your husband and children to see you put God first by setting aside time to study His Word each day, asking for that uninterrupted time when needed. Your kids don't need to always feel like they come first, especially when they're seeing you put God ahead of them for just a few minutes.
Eventually, as you are transformed by His Word, they will see those changes and notice how you respond in gentleness and kindness, rather than in frustration and anxiety - and THAT will make the biggest impact on your husband, and your kids.
Want more ideas for building a God-centered marriage - and home? Let’s connect on Instagram where you can find me at @missiannsmith. That's where I share practical tips and encouragement for Christian wives to help you learn how to study Scripture for yourself and apply it to YOUR marriage. Let’s make this the year of growth and unity in our marriages!
Have you ever somehow lost the habit of spending time with God? Life happens, and it can be easy for our quiet time routines to be the first thing to go.
But guess what? It’s never too late to start again.
God simply wants to spend time with you, and He wants to reveal Himself to you through His Word.
He is ALWAYS ready, and always full of mercy and grace for you.
Today, let’s talk about how you can easily reset your quiet time routine with grace and simplicity.
First, identify your why.
Why do you want to spend time with God?
Is it to:
- deepen your relationship with Him
- find peace in your day, or
- seek guidance?
Knowing your why will keep you motivated when life gets busy.
Next, choose a realistic plan.
If mornings feel rushed, find a pocket of time in the afternoon or evening that works for you.
Keep it simple—one chapter of the Bible (or even just a paragraph), a journal, and maybe a hot cup of coffee. Focus on consistency over perfection.
Finally, ask for God’s help.
Pray for discipline and a hunger for His Word.
He loves to meet us in our weaknesses and He will always provide what we need to grow when we seek Him.
Need a little extra help to get started? I created something just for you! Download my free Quieting Your Mind Guide—it walks you through 4 simple steps with practical tips to help you discover the richness in God's Word. This guide is perfect when your mind tends to wander but you really want to get back into a habit of being excited for your time with the Lord.
Let’s make this year the one where quiet time becomes the best part of your day.
The start of a new year feels like a blank page, doesn’t it? There’s something so refreshing about knowing you can turn the corner and start fresh.
But if you’re anything like me, you might also feel a little overwhelmed.
There are a million and one new ideas for organizing your home. A thousand posts about how to reinvigorate and stir new passion into your marriage. Hundreds of suggestions for how to create routines that will help you to move your body and drink more water.
Or maybe it's your your faith that feels a bit stale, and you’re wondering which influencer to follow to rekindle that passion for God. Maybe you feel a little guilty because last year's resolutions didn't stick through the year.
Let me reassure you: God’s mercies are new every morning (Lamentations 3:22-23), and He’s ready to meet you right where you are.
And friend - when you meet with Him consistently, that one single step will refresh EVERY other area of your life.
Here is my encouragement to you: instead of jumping into an ambitious Bible reading plan that feels daunting, start with one passage or chapter a day and ask God to open your mind to His wisdom and grant you understanding.
Couple this with prayer—an honest conversation with Him about your fears, your desire to grow spiritually, your needs for your marriage, kids, work, and friendships, and your desire to surrender everything to His perfect will.
Trust that He can and will work in your heart as you first make it a priority to seek Him in Scripture, and second make it a priority to lay everything at His feet in obedience to Him.
Consider setting a faith-led goal for the year. Maybe it’s to study one book of the Bible deeply (you don't have to read the entire Bible in a year in order to grow!), memorize Scripture (perhaps one verse a month?), or pray regularly with your husband (or pray for him, if praying together isn't an option).
Whatever it is, make it personal and meaningful. And remember, you don’t have to do this alone! Surround yourself with women who will encourage and support you in your journey.
If you know God is calling you to take this one step to draw closer to Him, I would love to invite you to enroll in the Wives of the Word: Bible Study Methods for Women course! Doors are currently open, but only until THIS Friday, January 10, 2025.
This is your opportunity to start 2025 refreshed, with the tools and confidence to study Scripture deeply (even on the days you only have a few minutes), apply God’s truths to your marriage, parenting, and life, and grow into the women God has called you to be - while I hold your hand and guide you step-by-step, and with the encouragement and support of other women learning alongside you.
Enroll now and take the first step toward a life of spiritual renewal and joy! Doors close Friday, so don't miss out!
Let’s start this year with hearts renewed and ready for what God has in store!
