So, how about we memorize the Bible? Not all of it, of course. We can start with some of the verses you love most.
I know, I know. You don’t have time. Your memory isn’t what it used to be. You tried before and gave up. You think it’s too hard. I get it. Totally.
Still, here’s what the Bible says:
Keep my words and store up my commands within you {Proverbs 7:1}.
Keep and store. That’s memorizing Scripture in a nutshell. You can do this, and it’s so worth it.
The benefits of having His Word in your heart? Huge.
You’ll be able to share His truth with confidence, rather than saying, “Uh, let me find this for you in the Bible, because I know it’s here somewhere.” And you’ll have something truly helpful to share with a hurting friend. Unless we point people to Scripture, we’re giving them little more than our opinion.
Plus, when temptation knocks on your door, the verses you’ve memorized will come to your rescue. Countless times God’s Word has stopped me in my tracks before I veered down the wrong path. Like the Psalmist said, “I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you” {Psalm 119:11}. Right.
And consider this. While you’re saying your verses aloud, your kids will be hearing them too, just as God intends.
Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up {Deuteronomy 6:7}.
Okay, so how do we do this? Here’s some stuff that works and might be fun besides.
- Start with really short verses or ones you already know. It’s okay. The Bible Memorization Police won’t be stopping by your house.
- Use your smart phone. Record your verses, so you can review them anytime, anywhere. Set an alarm to remind you. Use the Notes app to write them out.
- Aim for one verse a week. It’s a modest goal, but if you learn just one a week, that’s fifty verses a year (with a little vacation time thrown in).
- Say the verse aloud. The best way to make the words stick is to recite them, even if the Lord is the only One listening.
- Write and rewrite the verse, as many times as you can fit it on a sheet of paper. Highlight the key words. Use different color pens. Add doodles.
- Draw a picture to illustrate the verse you’re memorizing. Stick figures are fine. The idea is to create a unique image for each verse. If it’s laughable, so much the better — it will also be more memorable.
- Not artistic? Find a photo that suits the verse and will jog your memory. Collect them in a computer file or organize them on Pinterest for easy reference.
- Sing your verse to the tune of a familiar song. Not musical? Create a simple rhythm you can tap out as you say the words.
- Make it personal. Mine your memory for a life experience that illustrates the verse, so the words and the meaning will find a home in your heart.
- Include the verse in your prayers. The Lord loves to hear His Word, especially when it flows in a natural and meaningful way during your private conversations with Him.
- Practice the verse while you’re walking, gardening, cleaning, exercising, bathing, dressing — anytime your mind is free to focus on God’s life-changing Word.
- Teach the verse to others—one-on-one or around the table with your family—and share what it means to you.
- Finally, post your verse on social media. We all need as much wisdom as we can get.
The truth? It’s good to have God’s Word on your cell phone, your Kindle, your laptop, your bookshelf, but where it makes the most difference is in your heart.
