Scripture study is an essential part of gaining a testimony of the gospel. It is also important to do so that you can continue to strengthen your testimony through gospel study. However, most people go through times of really good personal scripture study and times when the study is either not happening or is not meaningful. Sometimes you get in a rut, and it can be difficult to break out of it.
If you are stuck in a scripture study rut, try changing up the way that you read the scriptures. For example if you read a few chapters a day, try studying by topic and see if you can gain a bit more knowledge. If you study by topic, you may try reading the scriptures through cover to cover, since this will help you understand the chronology and history of the scriptures.
Don’t be afraid to mark your scriptures. In addition to keeping a scripture study journal you may decide to mark verse that stand out to you, and to make notes in the margin. You can also make scripture chains of similar verses. These are always nice when you are writing a talk on a topic that you have a scripture chain for.
Take the time to look at the footnotes. Flip to and read the related scriptures. Look up the additional explanations in the Bible dictionary. These things can greatly increase your understanding of the events surrounding the message, as well as the principle that is being taught.
Pray before and after you read the scriptures. It also helps to take a few minutes to ponder what you have read before you finish your scripture study session. You may find yourself thinking about a certain principle through out the day or find a way that you can work to apply it to your life now.
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