I believe that there are three stages to learning about the character and truth about God. (This is by no means an original way to study and apply God's Word, but I honestly can't remember who or even when I learned this truth)
Ready to jump in?
Stage One: Information
Our quest for knowledge can be a wonderful character trait, but like most things there are some caveats to this statement. Our quest for knowledge must be accompanied with the wisdom of discernment or you risk not just wasting your time and efforts, but worse, falling into heresy. It is, of course, important to learn about God, what He is like, what He demands from us, How He loves us, His promises to His children, etc. But we don't want to stay in Stage One, we must then move to Stage Two.
Stage Two: Inspiration
This is where we put down our Bibles and reflect on what we have read. This is where we turn off our devices and ponder about the teaching we have just absorbed. This is a time of reducing our distractions as we take a few moments to let God's Word sink into the deepest parts of our minds and hearts. This is where we ask Him to convey through the Holy Spirit the truths that He wants us to know and learn. This is where we meditate, letting His thoughts swirl around our minds, cleansing our souls and preparing us for the next step, Stage Three.
Stage Three: Transformation
Knowledge without Change is folly. Meditation without Change is merely an exercise. The true test of our desire to live a life dedicated to Jesus Christ's teaching is in this step, obedience. Taking His truths, and applying them to our lives at this very moment. Allowing Him to speak to us, and not filling our prayer time with our demands and petitions. There is, of course, a proper time to tell God what we need and what we desire to see changed around us, but not in this moment. This moment is dedicated to you and Him - and the conversation needs to flow from Him to you, not the other way around. Allow the God of this universe to speak His personal truths to you, whispering to you, infusing you with His Words and driving out the untruths of our culture and its 24/7 demands on our lives.
As the great corporation once said, "Just Do It". Try it. See if your worldview, your attitude toward others, and more importantly our obedience to Him is not different after spending time with Him on a daily basis. Incorporate all three stages - not stopping or getting bogged down in what we find comfortable but moving from one to another in our quest to grow closer to Him. Allow Him to have a portion of your schedule, and see if you are a better person for spending time with Him.
