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Most of us would like to make good choices, especially in the heat of the moment. Scripture memory can help us live out our faith and make God-honoring decisions. Decisions based on what His Word says, not on fleeting emotions.
Retrain the Brain
For me, living out the Christian life depends on my mindset — it starts in my head. So, I have to retrain my brain. I have to fill it with what’s good and true because who I am — the totality of my thoughts and actions — is determined by what I let into my brain.
How different would my life be if I thought more about what’s true and lovely?
My mind is like a computer that takes in information and processes it. The information sits waiting in my head for an opportunity to be applied. If I fill my mind with Scripture, I’ll be prepared and ready to respond in a healthy way.
“Those who live according to the flesh have their minds set on what the flesh desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires.”
Romans 8:5 (NIV)
Why Memorize Scripture
Scripture memory makes God’s Word accessible in the need of the moment. I’ve noticed that it gives the Holy Spirit a way to get through to me and provides healthy responses to life that I could not have come up with on my own:
I’m about to say something rash, and the Holy Spirit reminds me that “one who restrains his lips is wise.” Proverbs 10:19 (NASB)
I’m offended and am reminded that “love covers all offenses.” Proverbs 10:12 (ESV)
Do I always get it right? Of course not! But Scripture memory gives me a solid foundation for my thinking and provides opportunities for growth and change. Life can be different when we let God’s Word influence our daily choices.
When we know the truth of Scripture, we have a continual source of encouragement and hope. “But they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; They shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.” Isaiah 40:31 (ESV)
His Word strengthens us spiritually. When we hide His Word in our hearts, we have an ongoing, rejuvenating, spiritual snack on hand. “Your words were found, and I ate them, and your words became to me a joy and the delight of my heart.” Jeremiah 15:16 (ESV)
Scripture provides a grid for making decisions — a filter for life’s choices. “Stand by the roads, and look, and ask for the ancient paths, where the good way is; and walk in it, and find rest for your souls.” Jeremiah 6:16 (ESV)
Knowing Scripture helps keep problems in perspective and reminds us of what’s most important. “But seek first the Kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” Matthew 6:33 (ESV)
When hit with an unexpected trial or temptation, if we have Scripture memorized, we have a defensive weapon in hand: “And take the . . . sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.” Ephesians 6:17 (ESV) Jesus set the example by using the Word of God to combat temptations. In Matthew 4:4 (ESV), Jesus responded to Satan, “It is written, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.’”
The Bible is true. Memorizing it provides support for our belief system. If we know what we believe and we’re living it out, we can walk in confidence.
You can do it!
You CAN memorize Scripture. Try it. Choose a verse that speaks to you and commit it to memory. Write it on a simple blank card and tape it to your bathroom mirror, or set it by your place at the kitchen table.
Once you’ve memorized a verse, move on to another—and then another. Keep adding new verses, and don’t stop reviewing the old ones. Make Scripture memory part of your routine. I like to review verses on the Quizlet App while exercising.
Have a family member or friend check you when you think you have a verse memorized. Accountability is key; memorizing Scripture together can be a rich, treasured experience. Set a time to review verses and stick to it, even over the phone. FaceTime allows for accountability with family and friends who don’t live nearby. Reviewing verses through FaceTime has brought me closer to a dear friend (who happens to be my sister-in-law) who lives far away.
Don’t let perfectionism keep you from moving forward with Scripture memory. It’s an ongoing, imperfect process. Pick back up every time and start again. Make Scripture memory a lifetime habit and reap the fruit of God’s Word hidden in your heart.
It will change your life. It’s certainly changed mine!
For lovely preprinted, ready-to-use Scripture memory cards or workbooks designed to help you memorize Scripture day-by-day, a little at a time, check out the Humble Faith Ministries shop.
Patty Perkins is the Discipleship Coordinator for Humble Faith Ministries and the author of Prayer: Inviting the Lord Into Everyday Life. She enjoys long walks with her husband and gathering friends and family around her kitchen table. She and her husband love living back home in Kentucky and are grateful for their growing family. They have two grown sons who are married and two grandchildren they adore.
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