Struggling with Scripture Study? Focus on How You’re Reading

By Gordon Ogutu

The author lives in Kisumu, Kenya.

Once I became intentional with my scripture study, I was able to feel peace again.

I knew being back in my hometown after my mission would challenge me. It would test my determination and desire to keep living the gospel. But because of the experiences I had on my mission, I also knew I would be blessed if I prioritized the power and protection that daily scripture study can bring.

So, before I returned home, I decided to make daily scripture study my goal.

On my mission, I was able to study my scriptures every day. This special time with Heavenly Father blessed my life and deepened my love for the scriptures.

But as I returned home and time went on, life became busy. I started classes at BYU–Pathway Worldwide, I was working overtime, and I became constantly distracted.

My phone and my busy life got between me and the scriptures. I felt a wall going up between me and Heavenly Father. It wasn’t until I was intentional about my scripture study that I was able to knock down the wall and find my way back to my Savior.

Diligent Searching versus Casual Reading

For a while, I was reading the scriptures at night and when I had spare time in the morning. But even when I did read at these times, my phone would always call for my attention. By the end of my study, I couldn’t recall what I’d read.

In one of my BYU–Pathway courses, we studied time management. We were asked to look at our goals for the year and find a way to stay consistent with them. During this exercise, I came face to face with the wall that I had built with my own habits. I realized I was missing the mark in my goal to study the scriptures every day.

So I persistently prayed about how I could realign with my original goal and become a more diligent disciple of Jesus Christ.

I then realized that my problem was how I was studying the scriptures.

When he was a member of the Seventy, Elder Merrill J. Bateman taught: “In order to come unto Christ and be perfected in him, each person needs to receive a testimony of the Lord’s words. Some individuals falter because they fail to open the books, others because they read casually. As one would expect, there is a difference between diligent searching or ‘pondering over the scriptures’ and casual reading.”

When I open the scriptures with a desire to ponder and study the truths inside, I renew my level of understanding of the gospel and feel closer to my Savior, Jesus Christ. I feel God’s love more strongly, and by feeling this, I can more easily help others who are in need.

One of my favorite scriptures is Philippians 4:13, which reminds me that “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.”

I find that the presence of the Spirit is so much stronger in my life when I make spiritual habits a high priority and remember that I really can do all things through Christ.

Making Time for Him

When I feel doubts in my life, I remember that Jesus Christ is my Redeemer and my mentor. As our mentor, He sees our progress and can help us overcome anything. I know that the Savior has done this and so much more for me. With His help, I can become more like Him.

I find truths like these in the words of the scriptures every day! When I find these truths, I find Jesus Christ.

President Russell M. Nelson counseled: “The Lord knows you and loves you. He is your Savior and your Redeemer. He leads and guides His Church. He will lead and guide you in your personal life if you will make time for Him in your life—each and every day.”

Ever since I renewed my goal to study the scriptures each day (and truly ponder them), I have been able to appreciate the power and protection they bring to me. When we recognize that the Savior is always there to strengthen us, especially through the scriptures, we can have true peace. True peace does not come from looking to others—even if they seem to have everything you could want.

Because Jesus Christ is the answer.