Why Study the Scriptures?

Feasting Upon Sweet Scriptures
In contemplating the phrase "feast upon the words of Christ" it's easy to wonder how one really feasts upon the scriptures. Anyone can read the scriptures. With a little bit of additional effort it isn't too hard to study the scriptures. But what does it take to feast upon the scriptures? Anyone who reads the scriptures much knows that they taste good. What I mean by that is that you feel the truth of what you're reading and it makes you feel good. But to feast on the scriptures, they'd have to be delicious to you and Alma teaches us how they can:

"Now, we will compare the word unto a seed. Now, if ye give place, that a seed may be planted in your heart, behold, if it be a true seed, or a good seed, if ye do not cast it out by your unbelief, that ye will resist the Spirit of the Lord, behold, it will begin to swell within your breasts; and when you feel these swelling motions, ye will begin to say within yourselves—It must needs be that this is a good seed, or that the word is good, for it beginneth to enlarge my soul; yea, it beginneth to enlighten my understanding, yea, it beginneth to be delicious to me." (Alma 32:28)

Alma compares the word of God (the scriptures) unto a seed. If you bring the word into your heart and believe the word, it will continue to enlarge your soul, enlighten your understanding, and finally begin to be delicious to you. This is a process that takes time - it doesn't happen overnight. 
The Psalmist said it another way, "How sweet are thy words unto my taste! yea, sweeter than honey to my mouth!" (Psalms 119:103). If we're to feast upon the word, I think it's safe to say the scriptures need to be sweet honey to our taste.


A Reservoir of Living Water
Read this masterful discourse given by Elder Bednar: A Reservoir of Living Water.


Consider how important water is to sustaining physical life. The Savior referred to his word as the "living water." Elder Bednar: "And as water is necessary to sustain physical life, so the Savior and His doctrines, principles, and ordinances are essential for eternal life. You and I need His living water daily and in ample supply to sustain our ongoing spiritual growth and development." 
I like the analogy that the scriptures are a reservoir of living water. We know that the Savior is the fountain of living water, so it makes sense to consider the scriptures a reservoir where His word is stored and readily accessible for our consumption.