The Benefits of Memorizing Scripture
How Easy is to Memorize Scripture?
Most of us have no problem memorizing the lyrics to our favorite songs. Sometimes we know them so well, or they're so deeply ingrained in our minds, that they get stuck in our heads. The moment certain songs come on you'll see people rocking in the car or singing along. The words are stored in their minds and coming out of their mouths. Well, that’s how easy and natural memorizing God’s Word can be, if you choose to make it a part of your life.
You know that verse that says, "Out of the overflow of the heart, the mouth speaks (Luke 6:45)?"
Hide His Word in Your Heart
The Bible tells believers to “hide” God’s Word in their hearts. Why? So they won’t sin against Him (Psalm 119:11). When you have the Bible in your heart, and meditate on God's Word day and night, it serves as a safeguard against sin, and against suffering the painful and shameful consequences that go along with making wrong choices.
Direct Benefits of Memorizing Scripture
There are many benefits, but here are our favorites:
It increases your knowledge of God: of who He is, what He's promised, and who we are in Christ (2 Peter 3:18).
It equips you to rightly handle the complications and hardships of life (Proverbs 3:5-6).
It supplies us with the wisdom to make the best possible choices (Psalm 119:97-100).
It helps us to think about the things that are excellent and praiseworthy (Philippians 4:8).
Our daily downtime counts for eternity and will endure forever (Ephesians 5:16, 1 Peter 1:25).
A Biblical Example
Mary, the young teen who became the mother of Jesus, was passionate about memorizing portions of the Bible. How do we know this? Because Mary was a girl who treasured and pondered God’s Word in her heart. When she opened her mouth to praise God for the blessing of the Savior, out came Bible verses — she cited at least 15 passages from the Old Testament (Luke 1:46-55). These were verses and truths Mary ha memorized on purpose (a choice!) and learned by heart. They became her language. When she opened her mouth, her lips leaked God’s Word. And it was His Word in her heart that helped her live out God’s plan for her to become Jesus’ mother.
A Special Assignment for You
What is your favorite verse in the Bible? Write it out and be sure to memorize it. Make it your own! And if you can’t think of a verse, use one of the two below to get you started:
Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go. (Joshua 1:9)
In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight. (Proverbs 3:6)
Just think — the Bible is all yours, all the time. And it’s the ultimate source of truth and power. God’s Word makes its way into your heart. It turbo charges your soul. And it changes your views about yourself, other people, and the things that are happening in your life. Do you want a more rewarding and fulfilling life? Good news! You can have it. Your better life is as close and as easy as making the choice to pick up your Bible each day, open it up, and take a few minutes to let God speak directly to you. When you do this, you’ll know what to do and how to handle everything that comes along in life.
RESPOND:
This life is precious’ Lord. I believe that. I watch days pass by and I feel like I’m missing out. Don’t let me waste another minute. Let me grow in spiritual strength, creativity, knowledge, and in all ways that serve my family and Your purposes. Amen.
RENEWING RESOURCES:
Learn the great truths of the Bible and make them real in your life with The 50 Most Important Teachings of the Bible. You’ll be strengthened and encouraged as you do!
REFLECT:
How has memorizing Scripture helped you make a tough decision or calm you in a difficult situation?
REMEMBER:
The Bible tells believers to “hide” God’s Word in their hearts.
