In the times of Jesus, Jewish boys were expected to memorize the entire Torah (Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy). To this day, Jewish children are still taught to memorize it by age 12, and many learn the entire Old Testament by adulthood! Yet, how many times have you heard yourself or someone else say, “I don’t memorize scripture because I’m just not good at it”?
Enough Excuses
There are two things we need to remember. First, memory is a skill that can be built and strengthened just like anything else. Second, you memorize things all the time. You learn the route to new places. You memorize song lyrics and movie lines. Somehow you can remember phone numbers, addresses, and details about people you meet. It’s not that you can’t memorize scripture. It’s just that you haven’t disciplined yourself to do it.
Your mind is a muscle. The more you exercise it, the stronger it will get, and the easier it will be to memorize scripture.
Memorize Scripture to be a Better Witness
The next time you hear yourself saying, “I know it’s in the Bible somewhere,” commit to finding the verse you’re referencing and memorize it! This way, you’re not asking people to take your word for it – instead, you can point them directly to God’s truth. Additionally, memorizing scripture helps us encourage one another.
Memorizing Scripture Changes your Focus
It is so easy to lose focus in this world of constant distraction. By memorizing scripture and recalling it often, we are better equipped to maintain a healthy perspective on life. Contentment and peace come when we set our thoughts on God’s eternal truth over the temporary situations in our lives.
Memorizing Scripture Helps Relationships
As your memory of scripture grows, so does your library of wisdom to handle difficult relationship situations. Parenting shifts from, “Be nice to your sister! Because I said so!” to “Galatians 5:22 says, ‘But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.’ Are you showing these fruits to your sister?” When we allow God to guide us in our relationships, He takes on much of the heavy burdens and replaces them with peace.
Memorizing Scripture Helps Us Fight the Enemy
Ephesians 6:11-20 tells us about the armor of God. We are told to pick up “the sword of the spirit, which is the word of God.” We can’t expect to succeed in battle when we show up without a sword! After all, scripture is our number one offensive weapon against the enemy’s schemes.
Memorizing Scripture Helps Us Pray
When we don’t know what to pray, we can pray the scriptures. Then, we can remind ourselves of God’s promises as we recite scripture back to Him.
Commit to Memorizing Scripture
You don’t have to commit to memorizing the entire Bible – or even a whole book. Start small. Commit to learning one new verse a month. Write it down on a notecard and carry it around until you know it by heart. Once you’re used to getting your memory muscle working, start memorizing one verse a week. Then commit to a chapter, etc. This small habit will reap an eternal reward.
About the Author
Melanie Lemus is the Communication Specialist and resident editor for author Dr. Jeannine Bennett. She lives in Virginia with her wonderful husband and witty daughter. Melanie loves her freedom – in Christ and America. She’s passionate about natural health and homeopathy, and she’s always down to take a hike through the mountains.
