Time, Effort and Patience

Take your time, put in your best effort and be patient.

Scripture study is not a race, so do not feel pressured into having to read so many chapters or verses each day. Slow down, take the time, and dig a little deeper below the surface. Be patient; sometimes the good stuff takes time. It may take days of pondering and wrestling with the Lord in prayer.

I have had days where the symbolism and personal application have come immediately and clearly. Most often though, my experience has been that it takes days or weeks of effort. Often, the principle comes into focus slowly over time until it shines brightly. Other times, I read, reread, ponder and study the same verses day after day with no progress then one day it comes like a light bulb turning on illuminating my mind.

I personally like studying first thing in the morning and recommend it to those who are able. Besides being fresher and starting the day right, it allows me to focus my thoughts on the verses I am studying throughout the day. My analytical mind loves working on solving problems in the background.