A Winning Strategy for Tests and Trials

In high school, my main goal was to achieve academic success like my older sister Jean did. But since her SAT scores far exceeded mine, I knew I had to make the most of every effective study technique. For my first big test, I pulled an all-nighter. I was in a fog during the test, thinking I was all right, but I couldn’t think clearly!

After that I discovered a better approach: reviewing all the material once right before bed, getting seven solid hours of sleep, and then going over as much as possible in the morning before the test. Through the years, including college and beyond, I also noticed that I would do better if I reviewed the previous day’s study material while eating breakfast.

Learning during sleep?

Even back then I had heard the idea that learning can actually take place during sleep. Although the experts don’t believe it’s possible to learn a language, or complete study material while you sleep, it seems that study just before sleep can have positive benefits. In 1914 German psychologist Rosa Heine found that learning new material in the evening before sleep results in better recall compared to learning during the day.

“Can You Learn in Your Sleep? Yes, and Here’s How”—Medical News Today, Ana Sandolu, March 8, 2018, says “Our data suggest that . . . sleep spindles might represent the key underlying mechanism. When you are awake you learn new things, but when you are asleep you refine them, making it easier to retrieve them and apply them correctly when you need them the most.” Recall, retrieve and apply correctly—just what you need for the big test!

Try this winning strategy for facing trials!

Study has a positive impact in our lives—“Your word I have hidden in my heart, that I might not sin against you” (Psalm 119:11). This is the same outcome Exodus 20:20 stated God desired for the Israelites when He tested them at Mt. Sinai and gave the Ten Commandments. This matches Deuteronomy 8:2, where it says another desired outcome from God testing us is “to humble you and . . . know what was in your heart, whether you would keep His commandments or not.”

A few months ago, in an “ah-ha!” moment, I realized that this winning recipe for acing academic tests can be used to prepare for spiritual trials.

Study at night.

Study at night, then sleep on it, allowing your brain to clean up all the day’s input and refile it. Weeks before I tried this, I struggled with falling asleep, but when I tried studying before bed, I found I slept better! When you feel a little restless and would really like to “lie down in peace, and sleep” that would be a good time to include verses such as Psalm 3:5, 4:8 or 127:2 in your study.

Supplement with prayer.

When we add the important element of prayer, we increase the effectiveness of study. Consider the powerful possibilities of praying like David and Daniel three times a day! (Psalm 55:17; Daniel 6:10)

Revisit in the morning.

The next morning, pray and study some more—and the Holy Spirit will bring things to mind! (John 14:26). When tests arise, they present more than just challenges. They can help determine whether we will walk God’s way (Exodus 16:4), be used “to do you good in the end” (Deuteronomy 8:16), and show that God will bring “us out to rich fulfillment” (Psalm 66:12).

Pray and study more!

Tests and trials are coming. We can count it all joy (James 1:2) knowing God’s desired outcomes will be worth it. But now is the time to prepare. Increase your faith and build a closer relationship with God our Father and Jesus Christ our Brother by implementing this study method—and enjoy the bonus of better sleep! It can’t hurt any of us to pray and study more as we battle the cares of this life (Matthew 13:22).