This year, I studied the books of Psalms and Proverbs, using a scripture plan by Illustrated Faith, and I have been so blessed by it!
Not only have I learned how to lament, but I have also grown in my praise. I have also grown closer in relationship with God as I experience more freedom to be completely honest before Him. I shared more about that in my wrap-up of Summer in the Psalms.
However, I have to confess that I don’t always enjoy studying God’s word. Studying the same books over a long period, a year and half in this case, can become boring or tedious at times.
I’m not sure what happened to disrupt my daily routine but I found myself forgetting to read and study as usual. Then, I felt disinterested. Then, I felt “behind” on the scripture plan and tried to rush through it. Thankfully, God stilled me with the reminder from Proverbs 24 that His wisdom is like honey – good for me and sweet to the soul.
My son, eat honey, for it is good, and the drippings of the honeycomb are sweet to your taste. Know that wisdom is such to your soul; if you find it, there will be a future, and your hope will not be cut off.
Proverbs 24:13-14
With my focus renewed, I resumed my study and was able to complete the scripture plan by Christmas. So, I thought I’d offer some encouragement and tips to hopefully inspire you to persevere in your own study.
1. Most importantly – be led.
Don’t attempt to study God’s word without the leading and guidance of His Holy Spirit. Where He is present there also will be delight for Him and His word.
So, begin your study with prayer and be attentive, and receptive, to receive insight that is specific to what you need to learn at this time.
But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you.
John 14:26

2. Be willing to push through.
Wherever you hit pause or gave up – whichever study you attempted, whichever verse or scripture plan – you’re not “behind”. Ask for His help and feel free to start up where you left off today.
When God stilled me with the reminder that wisdom is like honey, He also reminded me that wisdom from His word is not only delightful, and good for us like honey, but it is also our responsibility to acquire it.
A wise man is full of strength, and a man of knowledge enhances his might. If you faint in the day of adversity, your strength is small.
Proverbs 24:5, 10
For how else will we stand in trials? How will we refute the lies and resist the temptations if we don’t know the relevant truth to stand on, or the victory assured?
And, how else will we give hope to those who are lost, strengthen those faltering, and train up the young; as we’re called to?
Rescue those who are being taken away to death; hold back those who are stumbling to the slaughter. If you say, “Behold, we did not know this,” does not he who weighs the heart perceive it? Does not he who keeps watch over your soul know it, and will he not repay man according to his work?
Proverbs 24:11-12
3. Be willing to pivot.
That could mean approaching your study in a different way or changing the study altogether. Either way, having to switch gears is not a failure but a learning opportunity.
Some seasons are busier than others and can be disrupted by change. So, change as needed. God blesses our efforts to be faithful and that can look differently in different seasons. So, ask Him for help and then do as He leads, while remaining reliant on the strength He supplies.
If the problem you’re encountering is boredom then perhaps change is what is needed. Switching to a different approach with the same study could be invigorating and refreshing, and that may motivate you to continue.

3. Be willing (brave) to be you.
We’re not all in the same place of growth or knowledge. And, we don’t all learn the same way. So, proceed in your study in a manner that suits you, again – as He leads.
Here’s how I typically approach the writing portion of scripture study:
- I highlight the words that stand out to me using a marker or different lettering style.
- I use box stickers to note major points/takeaways, making them easier to see.
- I use other decorative stickers and washi, just for fun, because it’s pleasing to my eye.
- As the word reveals God, I focus more on responding with praise and gratitude.
- I also include a beloved on the page because it reminds me of my identity, and represents my response to the word.

I will meditate on your precepts and fix my eyes on your ways. I will delight in your statutes; I will not forget your word.
Psalm 119:15-16
I’m a visual learner so these strategies make sense to me. Writing out scripture in this way aids my study and makes it easier to remember what I’ve learned. I hope this inspires you to embrace your approach and be true to you.
5. Have a plan and prepare for it.
I find it helpful to have an idea of how I will approach a bible study and record what I’m learning. Whether that’s faith journaling, bible journaling, or scripture writing; it’s easier to have a consistent approach already decided on beforehand.
Second to that, is having a fixed time and place in which to study, that is organized with all the supplies needed set aside in easy reach. For scripture writing, in particular, I prefer to prep my pages with decor (as mentioned in part 3 above) so that I can dive in and focus on the actual study each day.

If you’re searching for a scripture plan to study for the year, then I highly recommend the 2024 Psalms & Proverbs Scripture Writing Plan. It has verses for five days a week, leaving the remaining days in the week for reflection and grace for missed days. Of course, you could take a longer or shorter time to complete it, if so desired.
Next year, I will be using the Beloved Society 2025 Scripture Writing Plan which is also by Illustrated Faith. This one has a verse or two per day. It is based on the Bible Recap which is a plan to read the entire bible, chronologically, in a year.
Illustrated Faith also has several scripture plans from previous years which may be found here: Scripture plans.
Whatever you choose to study, I encourage you to rely on Him to persevere in it. Your time studying God’s word will certainly bless you; may it be nourishing to your soul.
How sweet are your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth!
Psalm 119:103
I often get questions about the faith planner pictured in this post as well as the stamp set.
The planner is a faith planner by The Happy Planner. It is from their Spring 2023 collection and no longer available. This particular SOAP layout is no longer offered, from what I can see on their website, but they do have other faith based planners and journals.
The Psalms stamp set is by Illustrated Faith. It was included in the 2024 Summer in the Psalms devotional kit and is also no longer available. It is my understanding that popular stamps sets are occasionally brought back if there is sufficient interest, so please feel free to inquire or request it if interested.
This is a great article. And timely as I am preparing for the 2025 writing plan. Thank you!
Thanks for reading, Dana! I’m glad you found it helpful in preparing for the 2025 plan
