Why Bother To Memorize Scripture?
One of the greatest computer programs I own is my e-sword. "The sword of the Lord with an electronic edge" they call it. In one fell swoop I can read my KJV Scripture, search for words and themes, find dictionary definitions of Bible words I don't understand and study commentaries from a dozen different places.
I could spend hours reading, searching and delving deep into this program. Acts 17:11 says: These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so. So many conversations with the Lord all at my fingertips.
So why should we bother to memorize Scripture anymore? With a search engine in your lap and the Word of God small enough to fit in your pocket, why should we strive to stretch our minds with memorization?
With my whole heart have I sought thee: O let me not wander from thy commandments. Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee. Psalm 119:10-11
The memorized Word shows our time and effort. Anyone with a computer and few minutes can run a program that will find what they need. They don't have to have an interest, a love or a passion for God's Word, just a "search" button. Memorization is the message to the Lord that we're willing to put in the long hours to learn the meaning behind His Gospel and hide it away in our heart. His message will only be available at the moment we need it when it's tucked into both our memory and our heart.
The memorized Word shows our commitment. There are many things on your to-do list today, I'm sure, because it probably looks just like mine. Giving God the precious gift of our time to commit His Word to memory is the perfect way to strengthen our relationship with Him. Again, anyone can read Scripture off a prepared page, but it takes a deeply committed woman to go the extra mile for time with the Lord. The rewards for that kind of devotion are eternal and blessed.
The memorized Word shows our need. We have many situations each day when Scripture is necessary. Someone needs encouragement. We need reassurance. The lost need God's saving grace. That desperate soul needs the immediate blessing of the memorized Word, not a computer screen or devotion book. Ready at a moment's notice, the memorized Scripture is our first line of defense in a needy, greedy world.
The memorized Word shows our love. Everyone has favorite songs that we've memorized. We know certain recipes by repetition. And we could probably quote some movies in their entirety. The difference between those memories and the memorization of the Word is in our love. If we love the things of God more than the things of the world, we will put more effort into His Word than anything else in our lives. What better way to show the depths of our live than in committing His conversations with us to memory?
How can you begin to memorize Scripture?
1. Choose one verse of Scripture each week. Study it, read it in context, learn what God's reasons for saying those particular words were.
2. Write the verse on a note card. Writing it by hand will help commit it to memory as you watch the letters formed one by one.
3. Carry that verse with you everywhere you go. Pull it out every few minutes, every hour, several times a day and read it, looking at each word, each punctuation. Repeat this until you are comfortable with the entire verse.
4. Continue on to the next verse. Add this card to the first, put them on a ring together or in an envelope - make it something easy that you can keep with you at all times.
5. Take your time and choose verses that are especially meaningful to you. Start small and work your way up to entire chapters and passages that you love. God will begin to reveal new meanings and purposes for those verses as you grow in His Word.
I could spend hours reading, searching and delving deep into this program. Acts 17:11 says: These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so. So many conversations with the Lord all at my fingertips.
So why should we bother to memorize Scripture anymore? With a search engine in your lap and the Word of God small enough to fit in your pocket, why should we strive to stretch our minds with memorization?
With my whole heart have I sought thee: O let me not wander from thy commandments. Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee. Psalm 119:10-11
The memorized Word shows our time and effort. Anyone with a computer and few minutes can run a program that will find what they need. They don't have to have an interest, a love or a passion for God's Word, just a "search" button. Memorization is the message to the Lord that we're willing to put in the long hours to learn the meaning behind His Gospel and hide it away in our heart. His message will only be available at the moment we need it when it's tucked into both our memory and our heart.
The memorized Word shows our commitment. There are many things on your to-do list today, I'm sure, because it probably looks just like mine. Giving God the precious gift of our time to commit His Word to memory is the perfect way to strengthen our relationship with Him. Again, anyone can read Scripture off a prepared page, but it takes a deeply committed woman to go the extra mile for time with the Lord. The rewards for that kind of devotion are eternal and blessed.
The memorized Word shows our need. We have many situations each day when Scripture is necessary. Someone needs encouragement. We need reassurance. The lost need God's saving grace. That desperate soul needs the immediate blessing of the memorized Word, not a computer screen or devotion book. Ready at a moment's notice, the memorized Scripture is our first line of defense in a needy, greedy world.
The memorized Word shows our love. Everyone has favorite songs that we've memorized. We know certain recipes by repetition. And we could probably quote some movies in their entirety. The difference between those memories and the memorization of the Word is in our love. If we love the things of God more than the things of the world, we will put more effort into His Word than anything else in our lives. What better way to show the depths of our live than in committing His conversations with us to memory?
How can you begin to memorize Scripture?
1. Choose one verse of Scripture each week. Study it, read it in context, learn what God's reasons for saying those particular words were.
2. Write the verse on a note card. Writing it by hand will help commit it to memory as you watch the letters formed one by one.
3. Carry that verse with you everywhere you go. Pull it out every few minutes, every hour, several times a day and read it, looking at each word, each punctuation. Repeat this until you are comfortable with the entire verse.
4. Continue on to the next verse. Add this card to the first, put them on a ring together or in an envelope - make it something easy that you can keep with you at all times.
5. Take your time and choose verses that are especially meaningful to you. Start small and work your way up to entire chapters and passages that you love. God will begin to reveal new meanings and purposes for those verses as you grow in His Word.
The Holy Spirit convicted me in June to start memorizing large portions of scripture. I'm so grateful for this! I now have Chapter 8 of Romans, the entire book of Phillipians, and the Nativity Story in Luke memorized in my heart and on my mind. Praise to God for this. I've just started 1 John and am ready to absorb this as well. One verse per day.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Laura, for your writings. I look forward to them.
Susan - that's fantastic! Praise the Lord that you allowed the Holy Spirit to move you to action! One verse at a time is all it takes to bless your own soul and have God's Word ready when someone else needs it. Thank you for your lovely example.
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