Monday's Resolution {Studying the Scriptures}

We are picking apart Jonathan Edward's 70 Resolutions, one week and one resolution at a time. Don't forget to start where he did- "Being sensible that I am unable to do anything without God's help, I do humbly entreat Him by His grace to enable me to keep these Resolutions, so far as they are agreeable to His will, for Christ's sake."

28. Resolved, to study the Scriptures so steadily, constantly and frequently, as that I may find, and plainly perceive myself to grow in the knowledge of the same. 


This, friends, is where I struggle. I read my Bible every day. I try to ponder it and meditate on what I've read. Memorizing portions of Scripture also finds its way into the regular rhythm of my life.


Actually studying it more deeply though?

I've tried different products and books and methods, but I have yet to find something that works for me and sticks nicely to my every day schedule. This is not the fault of the products and books and methods. The problem is with me! Despite my acknowledgement of its importance, and my supposed desire to be a better student of the Word, I have yet to act decisively and consistently in this area.


I listen to sermons regularly, and am blessed to sit each week under excellent exegetical preaching from a man who has done and continues to do a lot of studying. These means of grace do cause me to grow in my understanding and application of the Scriptures. But I am ashamed to admit that I myself am not a deeper student of the Word.


Today's Resolution comes as a blessed challenge to me- its time to change! I would love to be able to say with Edwards that I can plainly perceive myself to have grown in my personal knowledge of the Scriptures. I would love to become a steady student of these life giving Words.


So I'd like to ask you more diligent studiers- how are you regularly digging deeper into the Word? What tools and routines have you found to be essential and accessible? I'm looking for all of the help I can get. Thank you!