Successful Learning Starts by Studying God’s Word

by Rick Warren — May 17, 2020

“Never stop reciting these teachings. You must think about them night and day so that you will faithfully do everything written in them. Only then will you prosper and succeed.”

Joshua 1:8 (GW)

To really excel in whatever you’re learning—whether it’s a new skill, a new theory, or something about a new person—you must first steep yourself in God’s Word.

I chose the word “steep” intentionally. If you place a tea bag in hot water and quickly bounce it up and down, you won’t have any tea. However, if you steep it slowly, you will extract all of the flavor out of the tea bag.

You need to do the same thing with God’s Word if you want to really excel in whatever you’re learning. While I believe in speed-reading and do it frequently, I never speed-read the Bible. I read it slowly, word by word. Why? Because the Bible says every word of God is pure.

Before you learn anything, start by steeping yourself in God’s Word. It’s the key to being successful.

Everyone wants to succeed. You want to succeed in your career. You want to succeed in your relationships. You want to succeed in your learning. The Bible gives clear counsel to anyone who wants to succeed.

Joshua 1:8 says of God’s Word, “Never stop reciting these teachings. You must think about them night and day so that you will faithfully do everything written in them. Only then will you prosper and succeed” (GW).

God’s not a liar. This is his promise to you. If you want to be successful and prosperous in life, study his Word continuously.

Talk It Over

  • What truth have you most recently learned from studying and knowing God’s Word? How has that truth helped you grow closer to Jesus?
  • What’s your current plan for studying God’s Word consistently?
  • What makes it difficult for you to study God’s Word each day? What changes might help you become more faithful in that?

Give hope, prayer, and encouragement below. Post a comment & talk about it.