Soli Deo Gloria

One of the hardest things I have found to do is memorize things - and I mean anything. Scripture memorization has always been a challenge for me because I have so many verses I love and their are several translations I use to study that it’s so easy to get things mixed up. But let me tell you, there is something so wonderfully rewarding in committing God’s Word to your mind. Not only are you renewing your mind but I have found God will use what you’ve committed to memory in times of trouble or to edify and comfort others.One of my first Scripture verses I memorized was Psalm 27:1.

“The LORD is my light and my salvation; Whom shall I fear? The LORD is the defense of my life; Whom shall I dread?

I just love this verse and I cannot tell you how many times the Lord has brought this verse to me over and over again through my life.

Most importantly I learned that we are expected if not commanded to memorize Scripture. Hiding (or memorizing) Scripture in our heart I believe is instrumental to our success in sanctification and our battles with Satan. Let’s not forget that every time Satan tempted King Jesus in the wilderness that Christ always used “the Sword of the Spirit”, or God’s Word to answer him.

I want to be just like Jesus and as Christians we are to have Christ-like lives so this is one of many, many things Scripture demonstrates to us as a means to follow in His footsteps.One powerful verse that has awakened me to the importance of memorizing Scripture is Psalm 119.

Take a careful look at verse 11…

“Your Word I have treasured in my heart that I may not sin against You.” - Psalm 119:11

Now for me, my utmost desire is to please my God, to obey His commandments and to worship Him and Him alone. That being said, the thoughts of sinning against my Savior grieves my soul. The amazing thing about grace is that we not only have the Spirit of Christ given to us when we repent and place our faith and trust in Christ but that the more we renew our mind in Scripture we are given more and more power through the daily grace of God to no longer be slaves to sin but slaves to righteousness. Scripture memorization and meditation on God’s Word is instrumental to a godward life.

Those devotionals and one-verse commentaries that saturate churches and the bedside tables of most Christians are fine as a supplement to your time with God but put down the bottle of milk and step up to the steaming plate of meat and potatoes and dive into God’s Word. You’ll need the fork and the knife - it takes work and diligence but you’ll be satisfied with the living and active Word of the Living God.

So What About Some Scripture Memorization Techniques?
I’ve tried many but one I have found that works best for me is what I call the “index card in your pocket” technique. It’s quite easy. As you are reading God’s Word or doing your daily Bible study ask God to show you a verse that He wants you to commit to memory.

Write that verse down on an index card and carry it with you throughout your day. Refer to it often. Quiz yourself at lunch, while in a boring meeting :-), or place the card on your dashboard in your car as you are traveling.It may take you only one day to memorize it or a week - it doesn’t matter as long as you are trying!

After you’ve got it down create a box to keep them in and add your cards to it over time. Once a week do a recall and quiz yourself on the older cards you’ve already memorized. Get your husband, wife, friend, etc. to quiz you by having you recite the verses.

Don’t forget to jump around between the Old and New Testaments when writing your cards.I pray that if you have never memorized Scripture before as I hadn’t you will also discover the joy in committing God’s Word to your heart and renew your mind so that “you can treasure God’s Word in your heart that you may not sin against Him.” (Psalm 119:11 paraphrased)

Soli Deo Gloria!

- Jay

Daily Walk