Why Memorize Scripture?
Recently, I’ve been thinking about the importance of memorizing scripture. Memorization has never been one of my strengths, so when I first gave my life to Christ, I convinced myself that memorizing scripture was something that only pastors do. But, as I continued to grow in my faith, I learned that the Bible has a lot to say about memorizing scripture!
Psalm 119:11 says, “I have stored up your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you” (ESV).
Psalm 37:31 says, “The law of God is in his heart; his steps do not slip” (ESV).
In Matthew chapter 4, the devil tries to tempt Jesus, and Jesus responds by quoting scripture to the devil. One of the verses Jesus quoted was Deuteronomy 8:3, which says, “…man does not live by bread alone, but man lives by every word that comes from the mouth of the Lord” (ESV).
But why should we memorize scripture?
There are many benefits to memorizing scripture; let’s take a look at just three of them together:
1. It helps us to avoid sin.
This point is illustrated three times in the verses we just read. If we memorize God’s Word, when something tempts us, we’ll have scripture verses such as 1 Corinthians 10:13 and Psalm 37:5-6 stored up in our hearts that will help us call upon the Lord to deliver us from that temptation.
2. It reminds us of God’s promises to us.
When we memorize scripture, we’ll always be able to call on God’s promises when needed. Are you afraid of something? God speaks to that in Joshua 1:9. Anxious? The apostle Paul writes all about that in Philippians 4:6. Trying to make a big life decision? King Solomon will share some Godly wisdom with you about that in Proverbs 3:5-6. When you memorize scripture, you can call upon any of these promises at a moment’s notice.
3. It imparts wisdom.
Wisdom comes from knowledge and experience, and we’re given great examples of both in the Bible. In the Old Testament, King Solomon prayed for wisdom, and God gave him more wisdom than anyone else had. Solomon then wrote the book of the Bible known as “Proverbs” to share all that wisdom with his son (and eventually with us, too!) Scripture can give us wisdom in areas where we usually wouldn’t have it.
4. It helps us share our faith.
When you memorize verses such as John 3:16-17, you can use them to help explain the gospel, even if you don’t have a Bible handy!
5. It helps you recognize false teachers.
Many people who claim to be Christian actually teach lies as if they were truth (1 John 4:1). By memorizing scripture, you are equipping yourself to recognize what is a lie and what is the truth!
Clearly, memorizing scripture isn’t just something pastors should do; it’s something we all should do! I hope you’re feeling inspired to start memorizing some Bible verses because now we’re going to answer the question that’s begging to be asked:
How do I start?
Memorizing scripture is not nearly as intimidating as it may sound; it’s very easy! Here are a few tips to help you get started.
1. Pick a verse that is relevant to your situation.
When you pick a verse that is relevant to something you’re currently going through, it will give you more motivation to memorize that verse because it will help you get through the situation. If you don’t know which verses to choose from, try doing a Google search of “Bible verses about…”.
2. Start small!
There’s no need to start by memorizing the entire book of Numbers! Start by picking one short verse, and keep at that one verse until you know it by heart.
3. Repetition is key.
The more you repeat a verse, the faster you’ll memorize it. You can do this by taping an index card to your mirror, making the verse the background on your computer at work, or even downloading a Bible memorization app (yes, these exist and are great!)
My closing challenge to you is to pick a verse and memorize it this month. Not a verse per day, or even a verse per week, just one verse for the whole month! You’ll be surprised at how much this simple discipline will help you to grow closer to God!
