I have divided this article into two parts. The first deals with the practical aspects of improving your scripture study, and the second deals more with the spiritual aspects of scripture study, especially the importance of incorporating the Lord's word into your life in every aspect of your life.
Part I: Just Do it! How to "find time" to read your scriptures, and how to make that time count.
Most people know that they should be reading their scriptures, but most of us struggle to incorporate meaningful scripture study into our daily lives. Many people that I talk to say that they don’t really need tips to improve their reading, but they would like tips on how to “get motivated” to read their scriptures. While I would argue that improving your understanding of the scriptures can only help in motivating you to read more often, I agree that this subject deserves a section of it’s own.
I have drawn up a list of tips that I have found personally useful in gaining motivation to search the scriptures, ponder upon them, and eventually gain insight into them through meaningful prayer. I have also included tips that will help make your personal study more meaningful, which will also help you to feel more inclined to study.
1. Just do it! If you wait until you “feel like it” it will never happen. According to W. Terry Whalin in his book “The complete idiot’s guide to Teaching the Bible” “feeling like it” is the least important factor that we should consider when it comes to living any aspect of the Gospel.
“Some Christians say they don’t feel like studying the Bible, or they don’t feel like praying, or they don’t feel like witnessing. Feeling has nothing to do with living the Christian life, for feelings come and go. The key to spiritual maturity is to live for Jesus Christ not because it makes us feel good, but because we know it is the right thing to do. I have discovered that if the only time I study the Bible, pray, or witness is when I feel like it, the devil makes sure I never feel like it.”