Memorizing the Word of God
Are there benefits to learning Scripture verses by heart today?
In this instant world the thought of memorizing scripture verses
may seem a little outdated.
There are many ways of making scripture part of your life and
that is what is important if we want to have strong spiritual
roots, and grow a deeper relationship with God. Having Christian
music on in the day is a good way, even better worship music.
Many of our worship songs are taken straight from the Bible, and
are a great way of immersing our soul and spirit in God.
There was, however, a time in my life when I spent a lot of time
and energy memorizing verses including the Bible reference
before and after the verse.
These were my reasons at the time 1. If God's word is living and
active and powerful, then why not make it a deep part of me. 2.
If I was sharing my faith then God's word has way more impact
than my words. The Bible has far more credibility and more than
my opinions, and people could go back and read it for
themselves. 3. It was a tool that I wanted to develop skill in.
See 2 Timothy 2 v.15 4. I could bring to mind verses that were
particularly meaningful or encouraging at times when I felt
disheartened. 5. I memorized verses that God had used to speak
to me about specific things that were going o in my life at the
time.
I would write the verses in little cards and carry them around
with me, practicing them in odd moments, until I was word
perfect.
Although I do not do this so intentionally now, I have to say
that the ongoing effect of doing that then, was far deeper than
I had ever imagined. Even through the storms of life, I felt the
impact of God's word sown in my life taking root and producing
fruit. There developed solidness in my faith that was noticed by
others. The Holy Spirit on many occasions, sometimes many years
after I had memorized the verse, brought it to mind at a time
when I really need it. Not only to help me, but to use it for
others. I may not now remember the exact chapter and verse
number, or the verse word by word, but it never takes me long to
remember the sense of it and find it if there is a Bible close
by. I may not have a Bible with me, but the Holy Spirit is able
to bring the verse I learnt many years ago right to the front of
my mind, just when I need it.
As God's Word is one of the few things that lasts for ever, I
want to put as much of it in my life as I can whatever method I
use. If you sow seeds of God's Word, you will spend your whole
life time reaping it's positive fruit in your life. Memorization
is still one of the most effective ways of doing that and I
highly recommend it.