5 Bible Studies and Devotionals That Have Helped Me Grow Closer to God
One of the questions I’m asked most often is, “What Bible study or devotional do you recommend?”
There are so many wonderful resources available today that it can feel overwhelming to know where to begin. While nothing can replace spending time reading Scripture itself, a well-written Bible study or devotional can help you slow down, ask better questions, and apply God’s Word to your everyday life.
Over the years, I’ve worked through many different studies. Some have encouraged me during difficult seasons, while others have challenged me to dig deeper into Scripture and see God more clearly. The five resources below continue to stand out because they point back to the Bible, encourage personal reflection, and help build a consistent habit of spending time with God.
If you’re looking for your next Bible study or devotional, I hope one of these will encourage you on your journey.
Why Bible Studies and Devotionals Matter
It’s easy to open the Bible with good intentions and then wonder where to start or how to understand what you’re reading.
That’s where Bible studies and devotionals can be so helpful.
A good study doesn’t replace God’s Word—it points you back to it. It encourages you to slow down, think about what you’re reading, and consider how God wants to shape your heart through Scripture.
Whether you have ten minutes before work or an hour on a quiet afternoon, consistency matters more than perfection. Spending time with God regularly, even in small ways, has a way of changing us over time.
Here are five resources I’ve personally enjoyed and often recommend.
1. Girlfriends in the Word by Natalia Drumm
If you’re looking for short, encouraging devotionals centered on biblical truth, I highly recommend the devotionals from Girlfriends in the Word.
Natalia writes with warmth and authenticity while keeping Scripture at the center. Her devotionals cover topics many Christian women wrestle with, including identity in Christ, prayer, forgiveness, redemption, and trusting God through everyday life.
Each devotional is practical, easy to read, and finishes with questions that encourage personal reflection instead of simply moving on to the next page.
These are perfect if you’re trying to establish a consistent daily quiet time without feeling overwhelmed.
2. Bible Study Journals by Laura Krokos
Laura Krokos has become one of my favorite Bible study authors because of her journal-style approach to studying Scripture.
Instead of simply teaching through a passage, she walks you through a process that encourages you to discover God’s truth for yourself.
Her 7P Bible Study Method helps readers:
- Paraphrase
- Process
- Pursue
- Discover Principles
- Praise
- Pray
I especially appreciate the generous space for journaling. Writing what God is teaching me helps me remember it long after I’ve finished the study.
If you enjoy inductive Bible study or want to go deeper into individual books of the Bible, these journals are an excellent choice.
3. One Good Thing by Melissa Goepfrich
One Good Thing is a devotional series that walks through books of the Bible while teaching readers how to pray Scripture.
One of my favorite parts of Melissa’s writing is how naturally she connects biblical truth with everyday life.
Each devotional includes thoughtful reflection along with practical ways to apply what you’ve learned.
Learning to pray God’s Word has strengthened my own prayer life, and this devotional offers a wonderful introduction if you’ve never practiced praying Scripture before.
4. In Touch Daily Devotional by Charles Stanley
For years, I’ve enjoyed ending my day with the In Touch Daily Devotional by Charles Stanley.
His teaching is simple, biblically grounded, and consistently points readers toward trusting God in every circumstance.
Each day’s reading is brief enough to fit into a busy schedule while still offering meaningful encouragement from Scripture.
If you’re looking for a dependable daily devotional that’s easy to incorporate into your evening routine, this is one I continue to recommend.
5. Quiet Time by Word of Life Youth Ministries
One resource that challenged me to study Scripture more intentionally is the Quiet Time devotional from Word of Life Youth Ministries.
Don’t let the name fool you—it isn’t just for teenagers.
The questions throughout each lesson encourage you to return to the Bible repeatedly rather than simply reading someone else’s thoughts about the passage.
I especially appreciate the emphasis on Scripture memory and personal application. It encourages readers to move beyond simply reading the Bible and begin living what they’ve learned.
If you’re ready to dig deeper into God’s Word, this is an excellent resource.
Remember: The Bible Is Always the Foundation
As helpful as Bible studies and devotionals can be, they should always point us back to Scripture.
The goal isn’t to collect more books or complete another study. The goal is to know God more deeply, understand His Word more clearly, and allow the Holy Spirit to transform our hearts as we spend time with Him.
Every resource on this list has encouraged me because it consistently points back to biblical truth rather than personal opinion. That’s one of the most important qualities I look for whenever I recommend a study or devotional.
Looking for More Bible Study Resources?
If you’re wanting to build a more consistent Bible study habit, you might also enjoy some of the Bible studies, devotionals, and free reading plans I’ve created here on the website. My heart is to help women know God through His Word, grow in their faith one step at a time, and make Bible study feel approachable rather than overwhelming.
I’d love to hear from you—which Bible study or devotional has encouraged you the most? Share your favorite in the comments. Your recommendation might be exactly what another reader needs to discover next.
