The difference between a good day and not-so-good day is reading the scriptures. It is amazing how much I can accomplish when I sit down and read my scriptures first thing in the morning. My attitude is better. I am able to focus on the task at hand and my energy level is higher. I was reminded of that today when I overslept, forget that I had something that had to be done in the next twenty minutes and then I left the house. I didn’t remember that I hadn’t read until I realized that I hadn’t accomplished anything during the day.
In “Keeping Life’s Demands in Balance,” Elder M. Russell Ballard said:
“Study the scriptures. They offer one of the best sources we have to keep in touch with the Spirit of the Lord. One of the ways I have gained my sure knowledge that Jesus is the Christ is through my study of the scriptures. President Ezra Taft Benson has called upon members of the Church to make the study of the Book of Mormon a daily habit and a lifetime pursuit. The Apostle Paul’s advice to Timothy is good counsel for each of us. He wrote: ‘From a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.
‘All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness’ (2 Tim. 3:15–16).”
I really have found that daily scripture study does make a difference in my life. If I take the time to study each day I have an inner peace, which I lose if I don’t study. As I study the scriptures I can feel how much Heavenly Father loves me and each of his children. This influences the way I treat others throughout the day. The scriptures help me to remember my life’s purpose and pull my goals into focus. It doesn’t matter when you choose to read the scriptures. For some people nighttime is better, or they might read at work during their lunch break. No matter when you read you will still receive the benefits that come from reading.