It's beautiful day to begin afresh; Monday's are always good for that. And it's a lovely day to serve someone; that's a great way to start your week.
But it's also a magnificent day to begin memorizing a new Bible verse, to hide God's Word in your heart.
I'm in the middle of memorizing a rather lengthy passage in the Bible, and it's about to eat my lunch. But I'm hanging in there! Still, I find myself on Mondays needing to regroup and recommit. So, in the spirit of getting back in the groove with my memorization work, I'd like to convince you to join me.
You don't need to memorize the same passage I'm working through. Rather, you get to choose any scripture God is speaking to you through recently. In fact it's always best to select a verse that means something to you for memorization. You can choose one that convicts you, gives you peace and hope, challenges you, instructs you, or washes over you with cool refreshment. Feed your soul, sweet sister. There's a smorgasbord to choose from...but don't just stand there gawking at the spread; dig in!
Why should you write a special verse of scripture on an index card, carry it with you all day, refer to it several times throughout the day, repeat it over and over, and hide it away in your heart?
Here are 8 great reasons you should memorize scripture:
- God tells us to memorize His Word!! -- Guard my words as your most precious possession. Write them down, and also keep them deep within your heart. - Proverbs 7:2-3
- It will help you resist temptation -- "I have hidden your Word in my heart that I might not sin against you." - Psalm 119:11
- It will help you make wise decisions -- "Your Word is a lamp to guide me and a light for my path." - Psalm 119:105
- It strengthens you when you are under stress -- "Your promises to me are my hope. They give me strength in all my troubles; how they refresh and revive me!" - Psalm 119:49
- Memorized scripture comforts you when you are discouraged or blue -- "Your words are what sustain me...They bring joy to my sorrowing heart and delight me." - Jeremiah 15:16 (LB)
- Memorized scripture helps you share the gospel with others -- "Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have." - 1 Peter 3:15
- Memorized scripture will satisfy your soul - "Thy words were found and I ate them, and Thy words became for me a joy and the delight of my heart..." - Jeremiah 15:16 (NASB)
- God's Word internalized can change who you are!-
so is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it. - Isaiah 55:11
So what are you waiting for? I implore you to begin storing up God's Word in your heart today. A great goal is to memorize one verse every two weeks. Now that's doable, isn't it? Sure it is! So eat up!
Labels: memorization, scripture memorization, What's in Your Pack
