I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you. Psalm 119:11
This year, I prioritize memorizing scripture as one of my spiritual goals. The plan is to memorize a Psalm per week. Growing up, my mother used to encourage me to memorize scripture. Over the years I have forgotten many of the Bible verses I memorized. But this year I want to reverse this trend and commit to memory portions of the Bible.
There are many benefits to memorizing Bible verses. First, it helps to recondition our minds so we can walk in obedience to God’s holy word. Scripture is intended to correct us and train us in righteousness. When struggling to decide, recollecting Bible verses can help us make godly decisions.
Second, memorizing scripture helps us to become spiritually bilingual. That is, we become more skilled at speaking the spiritual language that keeps us connected to God and helps us to live a Holy Spirit-led life. Memorizing Bible verses allows me to use biblical language in daily conversations for the edification of others and our own spiritual maturation. The Bible is the language of God’s eternal kingdom. By quoting it continuously we demonstrate our kingdom identity.
Third, memorizing Bible verses is a form of spiritual warfare. When our spiritual enemy comes against us, we can defeat him with the word of God. For the word of God is sharper than any double-edged sword. It can tear down the strongholds the enemy tries to set in our lives and neutralize its demonic attacks. Whenever I feel attacked by anything or anyone, I recite Psalm 23 and Psalm 91. When I need help in difficult circumstances I recite Psalm 121. When I am tempted to sin, I recite Psalm 1. Reciting different Psalms in different circumstances gives me the spiritual weapon to take my stand against the devil’s schemes.
Fourth, memorizing Bible verses helps us to be thoroughly equipped for every good work. For the word of God reminds us whom we were created to be and helps us to be transformed into the image of our creator. Whenever you recite a Bible verse you are confirming your identity as “a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. 1 Peter 2:9
Fifth, memorizing Bible verses increases our spiritual vocabulary and gives us the language to demonstrate the difference between believers of Jesus Christ and those who are not. This is an important form of evangelism that is often taken for granted. When non-believing family members or co-workers come to me for counsel, they expect me to use scripture to communicate divine truths and instructions that will help them make important life decisions. It is the biblical truths and instructions we share with others that often compel them to learn more about God until they become believers themselves.
Lastly, memorizing Bible verses enhances our prayer life. At times, quoting scripture is the best form of prayer. My mother used to recite a Psalm before she prayed. I am learning to develop the same habit. Scripture gives us the vocabulary to speak to God in prayer and helps our prayers to be more effectual. When I don’t know what to say to God in prayer, I just quote scripture. God wants us to recite His word to Him when we pray. The more Bible verses we can memorize, the more dynamic our prayer life will be.
Questions for Personal Reflection
Why do you think it is helpful to memorize scripture?
What do you need to do to start memorizing scripture more consistently?
Prayer- Blessed Lord, please help me to hide your word in my heart so I will not sin against you. For your work is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path. (Psalm 119:115).
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