Making Study A Lifelong Habit

Have you ever struggled to study or find the time? Studying is a lifelong habit so it’s worthwhile
to invest the time it takes to make this habit stick.

Studying – “the devotion of time and attention to acquiring knowledge
on an academic subject, especially by a detailed investigation and analysis
of a subject or situation. To look at closely in order to observe or read.”

PURPOSE
As believers, we have a desire to grow in our knowledge of God and learn
more about how we can live for Him. A relationship is built with
communication. God speaks to us through His word. We talk to Him by
prayer. It’s not a one-way relationship! (Galatians 4:8-9) We must talk to
Him and read to learn about Him, to be able to trust, love, and serve
Him. In Hebrews 4:12, it talks about it being the living Word, meaning
it’s a chance to grow to know Him. Let’s take the opportunity! It’s the
reading the Word, that gives us a chance to hear from God. A daily
devotional time allows us to share what’s on our heart with Him every
day. Devotional time gives us moments with God that allow our
relationship to develop and grow. Just like any relationship,
communication with God is important (both speaking and listening)!

TIME MANAGEMENT
Sometimes we put studying off until tomorrow, and then it just continues
to be put off. Before you know it, you haven’t studied in a week, in two
weeks, in three weeks, in a month. Time can be our best friend or our
worst enemy. How we manage our time can make all the difference in the
world. (Ecclesiastes 3:1-8) We don’t like the idea of being lazy, but when
it comes to devotional time, we often are lazy. We need to balance our
priorities and schedule our days with an eternal focus. Devotions do
require some discipline and planning, but when they become a habit in
our lives, our relationship with God will never be the same!

METHOD
Everyone has a certain way they like to study and that’s exactly how it
should be. There isn’t just one way to study, but the basic way that
everyone follows involves three steps: reading, meditating, doing.
Another way to look at the three steps is observing, interpreting, and
applying.

Studying is a lifelong habit so it’s worthwhile
to invest the time it takes to make this habit stick.