The Daily Grace Year in the Bible vs. The Story of Redemption
Every January, my Instagram feed fills with people holding fresh planners, new highlighters, and—of course—ambitious Bible-in-a-year plans. And most years, I find myself in the same spot too: hopeful, motivated, a little overwhelmed, and desperately wishing someone would just hold my hand through the harder parts of Scripture (looking at you, Leviticus).
If you’ve ever tried reading the Bible from Genesis to Revelation without any guidance, you know it can feel like running a marathon in flip-flops. You start strong, but somewhere between genealogies and kings with confusingly similar names, your motivation quietly fades into the background.
That’s why I love structured Bible-in-a-year studies—they offer guardrails, direction, and little nudges of encouragement for the days when you’re dragging your feet. Two options I’ve used and loved are A Year in the Bible and The Story of Redemption. Both guide you through the whole Bible in 365 days. Both are accessible for beginners. And both will help you actually finish the Bible—without wanting to quit by February.
But they’re a little different. So today I want to walk you through each one, who they’re best for, and how to choose the one that fits your season.
A Year in the Bible: For the Reader Who Wants to See the Big Picture
If you’re someone who loves themes, patterns, and connecting the dots, you’ll probably fall in love with A Year in the Bible.
This study doesn’t just help you read the Bible; it helps you understand the story that runs through all of it. Instead of treating each book like separate puzzle pieces, it shows you how every chapter—yes, even those tricky Old Testament ones—is plugged into one giant storyline that ultimately reveals Jesus.
What makes it unique?
The heart of this study is that it traces a set of themes all the way from Genesis to Revelation. Think of it like having five colored highlighters in your hand and marking each chapter with the same lens:
- How is God caring for His people here?
- Where do we see Him drawing near?
- What is God providing in this chapter?
- What promise is He upholding or hinting at?
- What power is He showing?
It’s not complicated—just consistent. And that consistency teaches you how to read the Bible with your eyes wide open instead of skimming and hoping something lands.
If you’ve ever felt like the Bible is a collection of unrelated stories, this study will be a breath of fresh air. It helps you see Scripture as one unified story instead of thousands of mini-stories.
What the daily rhythm looks like
Most days you’ll read 3–5 chapters—a comfortable amount if you set aside 20–30 minutes. Alongside the reading is a short explanation that highlights the themes and clarifies what’s happening in the text. This isn’t a deep theological commentary; it’s more like a friendly tour guide pointing out what you might miss.
What I love most is that it helps you spot Jesus in passages where you wouldn’t expect Him. Those “aha!” moments? They’re everywhere.
Who this study is perfect for
- People who want a deeper understanding of Scripture’s overall storyline
- Readers who like noticing patterns and themes
- Anyone who wants to sharpen their Bible literacy, not just check off a reading plan
- Those who’ve read parts of the Bible but never understood how it all connects
If you’ve ever wished the Bible made more sense, this study holds your hand without talking down to you.
The Story of Redemption: For the Reader Who Needs Something Simple, Steady, and Totally Doable
Now, let’s talk about The Story of Redemption. I recommend this one all the time because it’s probably the most beginner-friendly Bible-in-a-year study I’ve ever used.
Think of it as your “Bible-reading accountability buddy”—gentle, encouraging, and easy to follow even on your busiest, craziest days.
How this one works
Just like A Year in the Bible, this study walks you through Scripture in the order it appears in the Bible. The major difference is the tone and the level of depth.
This study focuses on the big events and main ideas of whatever chapters you’re reading that day. The daily summary is short—perfect for mornings when you’re rushing, evenings when you’re tired, or seasons when life is just…a lot.
It doesn’t go into five thematic threads like A Year in the Bible does. Instead, it keeps your eyes on one central storyline: God redeeming His people throughout Scripture.
Simple. Clear. Hope-filled.
And honestly? Sometimes simple is exactly what we need.
Why this one is so doable
You still read several chapters each day, but the commentary is quick and to the point. It helps you make sense of the story without overwhelming you with details.
If you’ve ever tried to read the Bible and felt lost—even five minutes in—this guide helps you understand what’s going on so you don’t abandon your plan halfway through Numbers.
Who this study is perfect for
- First-time Bible-in-a-year readers
- Anyone who wants a clear, big-picture overview of Scripture
- People who want commentary but prefer it short and simple
- Readers with busy schedules
- Anyone easily overwhelmed by “deep dive” studies
Basically, if you want a Bible plan that feels like a friend cheering you on, this is your pick.
So which one should you choose?
Let’s make it easy. Picture these two studies as two different types of road trips.
The Story of Redemption = the scenic cruise
You’re looking out the window, taking it all in. You don’t stop at every historical landmark or dig into every detail—you just want to experience the journey and understand where you’re going. It’s peaceful, simple, and steady.
A Year in the Bible = the guided historical tour
You’re still enjoying the views, but you’re also getting context, connections, and deeper insight. It’s perfect for curious minds who want to understand how everything fits together.
Neither option is “better.” They’re simply designed for different types of readers and different seasons of life.
Here’s a quick cheat sheet:
| If you want… | Choose… |
|---|---|
| Something simple and doable | The Story of Redemption |
| Short daily explanations | The Story of Redemption |
| A deeper thematic study | A Year in the Bible |
| To learn how Scripture fits together | A Year in the Bible |
| Your very first Bible-in-a-year journey | The Story of Redemption |
| To grow in Bible literacy | A Year in the Bible |
You honestly can’t go wrong.
My personal experience owning both
I started with The Story of Redemption. It gave me just enough structure to keep me consistent without feeling like homework.
This time around am going through A Year in the Bible (use FAITHSOLID10 – for 10% off). It has gotten me to slow down and sit with familiar passages in a fresh way.
Both experiences were meaningful. Both nurtured my faith—just in different ways, at different times
Whichever one you choose, here’s my encouragement to you
Reading the whole Bible in a year is not about speed. It’s about relationship. These studies aren’t meant to impress God—they’re meant to help you hear His voice more clearly.
Some days you’ll feel inspired. Some days you’ll feel tired. Some days you’ll forget entirely (ask me how I know). But little by little, chapter by chapter, God will shape you, speak to you, and remind you that He has never stopped working to redeem His people—including you.
So choose the path that feels right for your season, grab your favorite pen, and start the journey.
You don’t have to understand everything. You just have to show up.
And God will meet you there—every single time.
