Bible Study for the Busy Woman: Finding Time in the Chaos

This post is by Lindsey Bell.

“I want to study the Bible, but I just don’t have time.” Have you ever said this (or thought it quietly to yourself)? 

Listen, I get it.

Between work, kids, errands, and everything else demanding our attention, finding a quiet moment to sit down with an open Bible can feel…impossible.

But what if we’ve overcomplicated it?

What if Bible study doesn’t have to mean sitting for an hour with a commentary and a journal full of deep theological insights? (not that there’s anything wrong with this, if you do have the time!) 

What if it could be simpler?

Rethinking Bible Study

For a long time, I thought Bible study had to look a certain way—pen in hand, a steaming cup of coffee or tea beside me, and a full hour of uninterrupted time (or at least a good 30 minutes). 

(And if you’re in a season where that’s possible, amazing! Please enjoy every second of it!)

But for many of us? That’s just not realistic.

And you know what? That’s okay.

Bible study is not about checking off a box. It’s about connection. It's about letting God’s Word shape us, however and whenever we can.

So let’s get practical.

Five Simple Ways to Fit Bible Study into Your Busy Life: 

1. The Five-Minute Fix

If you’ve got five minutes, you’ve got time to meet with God.

Read one verse and meditate on it throughout the day. Write it on a sticky note or put it on your phone’s lock screen. Ask yourself, What does this mean? What does God want to tell me today?

2. Listen While You Go

Who says you have to sit still to study?

Listen to the audio Bible while driving, folding laundry, or working out. Put on a Bible-based podcast while you get ready in the morning. Let God’s Word fill your mind as you go about your day.

3. Scripture in the Small Moments

What if we made the most of the in-between times?

Keep a Bible open on the kitchen counter or nightstand. Read a Psalm while waiting in the carpool line or during a lunch break. Swap mindless scrolling for a quick Scripture read.

I think a lot of us - if we were being honest - would admit we have more time than we realize if we just spent those in-between moments on something other than scrolling through our phones. (I know that’s definitely the case for me!) 

4. Write It Down

Journaling doesn’t have to be elaborate. It can be as simple as:

• Copying down one verse and writing what stands out to you.
• Using the SOAP method (Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer).
• Writing a short prayer based on what you read.

5. Study with Someone Else

Accountability makes a difference.

Read a passage with a friend or spouse and talk about it. Join a Bible study group (even if you can’t make it every week). Read a children’s Bible story with your kids at bedtime and discuss one simple takeaway.

Overcoming the Excuses

Maybe you’ve tried strategies like the ones I mentioned above and are still feeling stuck? 

Let’s tackle some common roadblocks:

“I don’t know where to start.”

→ Pick one book of the Bible and go slowly. (The Psalms and John are great places to begin!)

“I get distracted.”

→ Keep it short and choose a consistent time—even if it’s just 3-5 minutes.

“I’m too tired.”

→ Listen instead of reading. Pray instead of journaling. Keep it simple.

Bible study isn’t about how much time you spend. And it’s not about just checking it off your “Christian to-do list.” 

It’s about showing up—even in the chaos, even in the exhaustion, even when it’s just one verse at a time.

Because God meets us where we are.

So let’s stop waiting for the “perfect” time to study God’s Word… and start making the most of the time we have.

Which of these ideas will you try this week? Let me know in the comments!

Lindsey is the author of two books, Unbeaten and Searching for Sanity, as well as the ghostwriter of an International Bestselling book. She is a contributing author to various other books including: Hello Mornings Bible studies, the Abba’s Heart devotional collection, and the Big Dreams from Small Spaces devotional. Lindsey’s desire is to inspire and encourage women through honest dialogue about faith, family, and learning to love the life she’s been given. As a woman who has lost four babies to miscarriage, Lindsey loves helping others find God in the midst of heartache. Find Lindsey online at www.lindseymbell.com.

Lindsey lives with her once-high-school-sweetheart-now-husband, Keith, her two children, and her dog that never leaves her side, Champion. She’s an avid reader and a lover of all things chocolate. With teenage children, Lindsey is busy shuttling them around to their various activities, attending baseball and football games and cross country meets, and watching them grow up WAY too fast!

Photo by Nick Fewings on Unsplash