The start of my faith journey began three years ago after I moved across the country to the Midwest to begin a new season of life.

I did not know what a real relationship with God looked like or how to become an active participant in that relationship. I had never been exposed to the concept of having a personal relationship with God through my past church experiences. I knew I should read my Bible and find a church to attend—that was the extent of my knowledge. Thankfully, the Lord had other plans for me.

Reading the Bible had always been something I did when I had time; it was never a top priority. But in this new season of life, I began reading the Bible daily—sometimes just one verse, and other times an entire chapter. I did not have a reading plan; I was simply reading books from the New Testament.

Then, someone from my home church gave me a Psalms reading plan. This became a game changer in my relationship with God. I would read one Psalm per day, often multiple times.

Oh, did I mention that when I read my Bible, I read out loud? I realize most people may not be able to do that, but I think it helps me stay focused on what I am reading. If you are able, give it a try.

As I started reading Psalms, I began to see how David had a relationship with God—how he had raw, honest conversations with Him. I did not know you could talk to God in such a normal way. I had always been taught that prayer was this big, formal ordeal. Well, that was not true.

As I continued reading through the Psalms, I started to see God in a different light. I began to realize that having a relationship with Him was not some crazy, unattainable thing reserved only for people who were doing everything the “right” way.

But me—a broken, lost, middle-aged woman starting over—I could have an open, honest, and real relationship with God.

I’m not sure I can put into words what reading Psalms did for me, but I can say without a doubt that the beginning of this faith journey blossomed through reading Psalms.

The only way to get started is to simply start reading.

Start with purchasing a Bible if you do not already have one or download a Bible app onto your phone. A big question commonly asked is: Which Bible should I read?

There are many different versions available—NASB, ESV, NIV, NLT, and a bunch of other acronyms. I started with NIV because I found it clear and easy to read. I would suggest NIV or NLT for those just starting.

If you have never read the Bible before, start with the Gospel of John, then read the Gospel of Matthew. These books will give you a good foundation about Jesus and an understanding of the Christian faith.

Then just keep reading. It does not have to be anything big. Just get started, even if it is only one verse per day. Just do it.

Then pray. If you are not sure what to pray, here is a simple prayer you can start with:

Lord, thank You for who You are and all that You do. I ask that as I read through Your Word, You would open my heart and mind to receive it as You intended. In Jesus’ name, amen.

In my next segment, I will be talking about how prayer has changed my life.

Still learning to trust, still choosing faith.

Susan