SCRIPTURE

What if it was as easy to memorize scripture as to remember lines from movies?

Earlier this month, while driving back from Iowa, Marty and I had fun saying well-known one-liners from famous movies when the opportunity arose. It’s amazing how those little bits of movie conversations stay in your mind for many years. It was like a trivia game to say one and then ask the other person if they knew which movie it came from. Sometimes, we both knew and just laughed. 

Today, as I was reading, I realized how challenging it’s always been to memorize anything. I remember having to stand up in front of the class to recite a poem in English Lit in high school and being so nervous that I stumbled through it even though I had practiced until I knew it. Knowing the material didn’t give me confidence while standing before my peers, but standing in a closet by myself, I’d be good to go.

 The Bible says:

“This is the covenant I will make with the people of Israel after that time,” declares the Lord. “I will put my law in their minds and write it on their hearts. I will be their God, and they will be my people.” Jeremiah 31:33

“Clearly you are an epistle of Christ, ministered by us, written not with ink but by the Spirit of the living God, not on tablets of stone but on tablets of flesh, that is, of the heart.” 2 Corinthians 3:3

Is it the sheer volume of scripture that overwhelms me? Why don’t I spend more time memorizing? Why can I watch a movie once and remember a line that holds no real significance in my life, but the Word of God I hold so dear is a struggle to retain?  

I don’t know the answer, but I want scripture so ingrained that no one can ever touch it or take it away. The question is, do I want it enough? 

Yes.

Here are three tools to help you memorize scripture:

1. Post scripture notecards or sticky notes where you know you will see them, such as on your mirror, dashboard, refrigerator, office wall, coffee maker, etc. Actually, read them as you say them to yourself.
2. Record yourself saying scripture and listen to them often. This isn’t my favorite as I don’t like hearing the sound of my recorded speaking voice!
3. Handwrite the scripture repeatedly, and make it fun by learning calligraphy or creating artwork that incorporates it.
4. Ponder and picture the meaning of each verse in your mind as you recite it.

Comfort, joy, and peace will belong to you as you lock scripture verses in your heart and live them.

Reflection: Do I make memorizing scripture a priority? Why?