Do you neglect spending time in God’s Word every day? I have also asked myself this question. Today, personal time in the Word of God is a regular part of my life. Here are six discoveries that I have made about the way I used to spend time in God’s Word.

Then: I relied too heavily on feelings. If I felt spiritual, I would sit down with my Bible. If I didn’t, I wouldn’t.

Now: I pray, ”Lord, I truly desire to spend time with you, but my thoughts are on everything else. Enable me to be still enough to align my thoughts with yours." I know that God hears, for the Bible promises, ”Come near to God and He will come near to you." (James 4:8)

Then: I was not prepared for interruptions. Even if my thoughts were focused on God, I was easy prey for every competing urgency that popped into my head. I would set aside my bible ”for just a minute." Yet, one task would lead to another until my quiet time was forgotten.

Now: I have decided that unless there is an emergency, I will simply dismiss interrupting thoughts with ”Yes, I need to do that later. Right now this is my priority."

Then: I didn’t have a plan. I used to open my Bible and think, ”Where should I read today?"

Now: I have a plan in which I follow, unless the Holy Spirit leads me to do differently. I read one Psalm and one Chapter of Proverbs each day. I may choose one word, such as peace, and look up all the scripture references from my Bible concordance. Or, I may follow a particular Bible study. No matter what my plan, God always has something for me.

Then: The scriptures did not seem relevant to everyday life. I would find myself thinking, ”But how can that help me today?"

Now: I meditate on the passages that I read, and I paraphrase them in my own words. I particularly like reading the Amplified Bible. I ask God, ”How can I apply this to what is going on in my life?" I remember that all scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness. (II Timothy 3:16)

Then: If I got off track, I tended to stay off track. I tended to stay off track for a while. Vacations and holidays all had the potential to disrupt my routine, taking away my incentive to stay on track.

Now: If I miss a day, I realize that it is no reason to forsake my plan. It’s like dieting. If one day we eat a piece of cake, we are tempted to give up on the entire diet. But, when we mess up our diet, we need to overlook our mistake and start again.

Then: I thought I was doing it out of my duty to God.

Now: I deeply appreciate the privilege of reading and praying. I read God’s Word to know more about Him and to know Him better. Not only are His truths being woven into my character, God has become more real to me -- a Friend with whom I love to my spend time!