Scripture Memorization: Spiritual and Mind Exercise
The Word of God is powerful.
That’s how it is with my words. They don’t return to me without doing everything I send them to do.
Do you have enough power in your life? Is it time to try something new, such as memorizing the most powerful book, God’s written word? Is there anyone but God who can tell a fish to swallow a man and have the fish eject him to go preach? Jonah 2:1, 5-6, “From inside the fish, Jonah prayed to the Lord his God... I was almost drowned by the swirling waters that surrounded me. Seaweed had wrapped around my head... But, you, Lord God, rescued me from that pit.” Do you find yourself in a pit? Maybe it’s time to seek Jesus in a deeper way, and it can be found in His word.
Here are ways to memorize the Bible and grow in deeper understanding and meditation of God’s word:
1. Spiritual Exercise
The Bible, God’s word is the most powerful book ever written. 2 Timothy 3:16, “Everything in the Scriptures is God’s Word. All of it is useful for teaching and helping people and for correcting them and showing them how to live.” Memorizing (committing to memory) Scripture can increase your intimacy with the living Christ Jesus. Memorization increases your intimacy with Him and can give you a way to meditate upon, (contemplate) the Word of God. Isaiah 55:11, … “That’s how it is with my words. They don’t return to me without doing everything I send them to do. ” The Father’s words will accomplish all He sends it to do. Memorization of Jesus’ words is a worthy investment of our time.
2. Mind Exercise
Memorizing may help cognitive decline due to aging. Memory Athletics has been a part of several studies on the use of memory work to battle against cognitive slow down. Try brain stimulation and increasing your intimacy with the word of the Lord Jesus who suffered for us on the cross.
3. Why And How Should I Memorize God’s Word?
Memorizing verses by topic or personal circumstances is helpful. Psalm 5:2, “You are my King and my God. Answer my cry for help because I pray to you.” Try a couple or more verses; consider memorizing whole chapters of God’s word.
Encouragements to memorize:
- Assurance for those lacking faith: Luke 11:13: “As bad as you are, you still know how to give good gifts to your children. But your heavenly Father is even more ready to give the Holy Spirit to anyone who asks.”
- Strength from the Lord Jesus to help you against sin: Ephesians 3:16, “God is wonderful and glorious. I pray that his Spirit will make you become strong followers…”
- Reminder Jesus is coming back: Revelation 22:12, “I am coming soon! And when I come, I will reward everyone for what they have done.”
- Reasons and expressions with which to praise God: Psalm 146:2, “I will sing and praise the Lord God for as long as I live.”
What Are The Benefits of Memorizing Scripture?
In Matthew 4, the Devil was tempting Jesus. Each time, Jesus answered the temptation with a correction from God’s Word. For example, in Matthew 4:10, when Satan claimed to own the kingdoms of the world if Jesus would worship him, “Jesus answered, “Go away Satan! The Scriptures say: ‘Worship the Lord your God and serve only him.’”
Since we face spiritual darkness daily we should commit the Word of God by memory and follow Jesus’ example.
Pray this week:
Father, memorization is difficult for me. Will You give me the power that I need to commit Your word to memory? In Jesus’ name. Amen
Does the Bible truly have power to help me?
“For the word of God is alive and powerful. It is sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword.” (Matthew 4:12)