Why I Memorize Scripture

Last year, I made three simple spiritual goals: 1) memorize more scripture; 2) study His Word; and 3) pray more. I feel like I did a pretty good job at improving in all three of these areas, but I want to continue growing. So my goals for this year are the same, but this year I’ve made a game plan for memorizing more of the Word of God. I’ll talk about my memorization plan in a later post, and I have a few more posts I’m working on regarding memorizing the Word. Today, I want to talk about my personal reasons WHY I memorize Scripture.

To meditate upon the Word
Every summer I work at a camp for kids and a few years ago our curriculum was “meditation on the Word of God.” The Bible is very clear that we should meditate upon the Word of God. Psalms 1:2 says, “But his delight is in the law of the Lord; and in his law doth he meditate day and night.”

While we were studying and preparing to teach the kids, someone brought up the point, How can we truly meditate on the Word of God if we don’t memorize it? Sure, we can read it, but can we have our head in the Bible all day long? No, but we can have the Bible in our head--and heart--all day long. (Psalms 119:11 “Thy Word have I hid in my heart that I might not sin against thee.”)

I started memorizing verses a few years ago and I’ve been amazed at the positive impact it’s had in my life. I have a better understanding of the Bible. I’ve found strength. My mind is a better place when I have scriptures running through it. Today I am only sharing three reasons why I memorize the Word of God, and next week I’ll continue my case by seeing what the Word itself has to say about memorizing the Bible.

To renew my thoughts
When we meditate on His Word, we allow God to renew our mind. When we do this, God will transform us. (Romans 12:2)

Philippians 4:8 tells us the things we need to have in our brain: “Whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable; if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.”

The Bible is all of those things! It is true and pure and lovely and excellent! Thus it is something we should think about and immerse ourselves in and meditate upon. When we memorize verses, we literally have God’s voice in our head.

John 1:1 says, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” Thus, the Word and God are the same. When I memorize the Word and quote it to myself, I literally have God’s own words in my head. I’d much rather have God’s words running in my brain than my own (often negative) thoughts! By memorizing Scripture, I’ve been able to actively work on renewing my thoughts by replacing my own thoughts with verses from the Bible--God’s own words!

To experience perfect peace
Isaiah 26:3-4 Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee. Trust ye in the Lord for ever: for in the Lord Jehovah is everlasting strength.

I have repeated this verse to myself many many times when things were rough. There has been many a time when I just wanted the Lord to calm the waves in my life, but He has allowed me to experience peace through my storm as I try to keep my mind on Him instead of my problems. I’ve always had verses I fall back on when I find myself in times of trouble or my mind in need of peace. Recently, this has been Proverbs 3:5-6.

Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.

The one thing I’ve learned through my storms is that I must trust the Lord. This hasn’t been an easy thing to do, and it’s something I still have to put in practice daily, but I love that His Word has these verses--it is a prayer I can pray and it comes with a promise! It gives me peace to know that he will direct my paths if I trust him and acknowledge him in all my ways.

Application
Memorize a verse this week. That's it. Just one. Then next week pick another. Memorizing one verse a week is totally doable! You don't have to start big. But start today.