Have you ever considered how many things we have to memorize? Multiple times daily we are required to use social security numbers, phone numbers, email addresses, and passwords, just to name a few. I recently went to our insurance company’s website to look at the progress of a claim. The steps were detailed. I had to know passwords and answer personal questions such as where I went to elementary school, my customer number, and more. It was critical to bring forth the required information that allowed me to access the more vital information within the site.
In the same way in my journal, My Time with the Lord, one section is devoted to memorizing a monthly Bible verse with analysis, prayer, and application. This process has taught me how to unlock the deep personal meaning of God’s Word. It engraves His Word on my heart. It is as David Jeremiah stated in his book Overcomer, “When we open our Bibles, God opens His mouth. And when we memorize what He says, it’s like having His voice recorded in our minds, ready for playback at the blink of an eye.” What a joy this has been for me. I encourage you to do this, even if memorization is difficult for you. I have learned that even in the process of struggling to memorize scripture, I am meditating on God’s Word as I analyze and repeat the verse.
As I started memorizing God’s Word, I soon realized that it was transforming my prayer life, strengthening my faith, and realigning my perspective as I looked at problems and trials. The Word of God began to transform my attitude from one of fear to one of hope, and it continues now, many years later, to guide me every day. James explains in 1:25 “He who looks carefully into the perfect law, the law of liberty, and faithfully abides in it, not having become [a careless] listener who forgets but an active doer [who obeys], he will be blessed and favored by God in what he does [in his life of obedience]” (AMP). Charles Swindoll wrote in Growing Strong in the Seasons of Life, “I know no other single practice in the Christian life more rewarding, practically speaking, than memorizing Scripture. That’s right. No other single discipline is more useful and rewarding than this. No other single exercise pays greater spiritual dividends!”
I have heard the human mind compared to the hard drive of a computer because of the information stored there ready to be used when called upon. When we memorize scripture, it becomes a powerful resource, available to us at the exact moment we need it. God’s Word is filled with “great and precious promises” that “pertain to life and godliness” (2 Peter 1:3-4). David Jeremiah again explains in his book Overcomer, “We access the power of God by reading, memorizing, listening to, meditating on and obeying the Bible. Like loving words from an encouraging friend, the words you find in the pages of Scripture will strengthen your soul with wisdom, joy, and light (Ps. 19:7-8). They’ll impart the certainty of God’s Word to give you strength.”
I encourage you to begin or to continue to memorize scripture. Analyze its meaning, pray about it, and apply God’s Word to your life personally. You will be truly blessed. As David explains in Psalm 19:7-11,
The law of the Lord is perfect, refreshing the soul.
The statutes of the Lord are trustworthy, making wise the simple.
The precepts of the Lord are right, giving joy to the heart.
The commands of the Lord are radiant, giving light to the eyes.
The fear of the Lord is pure, enduring forever.
The decrees of the Lord are firm, and all of them are righteous.
They are more precious than gold, than much pure gold;
They are sweeter than honey, than honey from the honeycomb.
By them your servant is warned; in keeping them there is great reward.
Dear Holy Father, help me to be faithful to memorize Your Word. I cannot do it without Your help. I know it is Your desire that I live according to all You have told me, so help me to guard Your instructions as I would a treasure deep within me. I desire to stay true to Your words and make them the lens through which I see life. Bring to my mind the specific portions of Your Word that you know I need as I daily seek to live for you.
In Jesus’ Holy Name, Amen. (Proverbs 7:1-3)
