Q: I meditate a lot but most of the time I don't seem to get any results. When I cannot quieten my mind, is all my effort wasted, or will it bear fruit at some future time?

Most minds are like wet wood: they need a long period of drying out before they catch fire. While you mind is on the Self it is drying out. When it is on the world it is getting wet again. The effort you expend in keeping the mind turned towards the Self is never wasted. It is only wasted when you lose interest and never to your old mental habits. 

Don't worry if your efforts do not produce immediate results. Sooner or later you will get your reward.