How 15 Minutes in the Bible Can Change Your Day
Scroll to read a recap of Pastor Toby Cavanaugh’s sermon from June 29, 2025!
Have you ever felt completely drained—emotionally, mentally, or even spiritually? Like you’re just . . . done? Maybe it’s the kind of exhaustion where it feels like your soul is stuck to the ground and you can’t get up. Or maybe you’ve felt like everything inside you is just melting from the weight of life.
If so, you’re not alone.
In Psalm 119, the writer talks about this kind of deep weariness. But right in the middle of that heaviness, he makes a bold request:
“Revive me according to your word.”
“Strengthen me according to your word.”
That’s not just religious talk. It’s a real cry from a hurting heart—and it points to something powerful: God’s Word has the ability to breathe life back into us when we’re at our lowest.
The Bible Isn’t Just a Rulebook
Let’s clear something up right away: the Bible isn’t just a list of do’s and don’ts. It’s more like a lifeline. It’s full of stories, promises, prayers, and truths that connect us to God—and when we’re feeling overwhelmed, confused, or broken, those words can actually restore us.
But how? How does reading a book help in real life when things feel dark?
Psalm 119 gives us two very practical answers:
1. We Need God’s Help
The writer keeps asking God for something we all need:
“Teach me.”
“Help me understand.”
“Open my eyes.”
“Be gracious to me.”
He knows he can’t get everything out of Scripture on his own. And honestly? Neither can we.
Think of the Bible like a powerful tool—kind of like a chiropractic table. It’s designed to bring healing and realignment. But the table alone doesn’t do anything. You still need a skilled chiropractor to do the work. In the same way, God is the one who takes the words on the page and makes them come alive.
So before we read, it’s totally okay (and actually wise) to ask God for help:
“Lord, I’m tired. I need you to speak. Please use your Word to give me strength today.”
2. We Make the Choice to Show Up
While we absolutely need God’s help, we also play a part. The psalmist says things like:
“I’ve chosen the way of truth.”
“I’m clinging to your words.”
“I will run in the path of your commands.”
He’s making a daily choice to lean into God’s Word—not just once in a while, but regularly.
This kind of strength doesn’t usually happen overnight. It’s not like eating a magic spinach leaf—it’s more like going to the gym. The more consistent we are, the stronger we get.
A Simple Way to Start: 15 Minutes a Day
If reading the Bible feels overwhelming or you don’t know where to start, here’s a simple plan to get you going. You don’t need hours—just 15 minutes and a little space to focus.
1. Pray (30 seconds)
“God, help me understand what I’m about to read. Speak to me and give me strength.”
2. Read a chapter or two
Pick a book of the Bible (like John, Psalms, or Philippians). Read slowly. Highlight anything that sticks out.
3. STOP (journal your response)
Use this quick tool to reflect:
S – Scripture: Write down one verse that stood out.
T – Truth: What truth is God showing me?
O – Obey: How can I live this out today?
P – Prayer: Write a short prayer in response.
That’s it. You don’t need to do it perfectly. Just start.
It’s Okay to Start Fresh
Maybe you’ve tried reading the Bible before and got discouraged. Maybe you started strong and fizzled out—or never started at all. The good news? Today is a new day. No shame. No guilt. Just an open invitation to begin again.
You don’t need to read massive chunks of Scripture every day. Just a few verses, a few minutes. With an open heart and a simple prayer, it can change everything.
Don’t Miss the Ceiling
Owning a Bible and never reading it is kind of like living in the Sistine Chapel and never looking up.
You’re surrounded by beauty and wonder—but missing out.
Ask God to meet you. Invite him to speak. And let his Word be the strength you didn’t know you needed.
“The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.”
—Psalm 34:18
No matter where you are, God’s Word is ready to meet you there.
Tap to watch Pastor Toby Cavanaugh’s full sermon on Youtube.
Here's a 5-day Bible devotional guide based on this sermon:
Day 1: Strength in God’s Word
Reading: Psalm 119:25–32
Devotional: Just as the psalmist cried out, “My soul clings to the dust; give me life according to your word” (v. 25), we, too, often find ourselves in seasons of spiritual dryness. Yet God’s Word remains a source of strength and revival. Reflect on times when you’ve felt spiritually depleted. How has God’s Word renewed you in the past? Take a moment to ask God to revive you according to His Word, and commit to consistently engaging with Scripture—even in difficult seasons.
Day 2: God’s Presence in Suffering
Reading: 2 Corinthians 1:3–7
Devotional: The sermon mentioned dark seasons of doubt and struggle. Similarly, Paul speaks of affliction and comfort in today’s passage. Notice how he emphasizes that God comforts us so that we may comfort others. Consider a challenging time in your life. How did God meet you there? How might your experience equip you to encourage someone else? Ask God to help you see your trials as opportunities for growth—and for ministry to others.
Day 3: The Beauty of God’s Law
Reading: Psalm 19:7–14
Devotional: The sermon discussed how constraints in art can lead to greater beauty—much like how God’s laws guide us toward a more beautiful life. As you read today’s passage, note the descriptions of God’s law: perfect, trustworthy, right, radiant. How have you experienced the beauty of walking in God’s ways? Reflect on an area where obedience feels challenging. Ask God to help you see the beauty in his commands and give you strength to follow them.
Day 4: Daily Nourishment from God’s Word
Reading: Matthew 4:1–4
Devotional: Jesus, quoting Deuteronomy, declares that we do not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God. This echoes the sermon’s call to daily Bible reading as spiritual nourishment. How consistently are you feeding on God’s Word? Consider using the STOP method (Scripture, Truth, Obey, Prayer). Choose a verse from today’s reading and practice this approach. Ask God to deepen your hunger for His Word and meet you in the daily discipline of reading it.
Day 5: Renewed Faith in Times of Doubt
Reading: Mark 9:14–24
Devotional: The sermon addressed seasons of doubt and the importance of remembering God’s past faithfulness. In today’s passage, a desperate father cries out, “I believe; help my unbelief!” This honest prayer embraces both faith and struggle. Reflect on your own journey. What past experiences of God’s faithfulness can you recall? How might those memories strengthen you in times of doubt? Ask God to increase your faith—and be honest about the areas where you still wrestle with unbelief.
There’s an opportunity for you to grow in your spiritual journey, build meaningful community, and truly get connected. At Radiant Church, we’re passionate about helping people grow in faith, encounter the presence of God, and be part of a church grounded in Spirit and truth.