GETTING TO KNOW GOD:  MEMORIZING SCRIPTURE

TEXT:  "Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee." - Psalm 119:11

I'm amazed at all the useless facts I can recall.  Without using any references, I can recall ballgame scores from decades ago.  I can recall specific details of events that occurred a long time ago.  I can recall certain phone numbers without looking in the phone book.  There are also important facts I can recite.  I can recite my social security number, my birth date, the year I graduated from high school, and other details.  Although I don't have the best memory in the world, I am still grateful to have a workable memory.

You may be surprised how much information you can recall.  It could be that you could recite details of conversations, statistics, names or phone numbers.  It is true that some people have better memory recollection than others.  The real issue is this:  what are you storing in your memory bank?

Personally, I think that the Word of God is best thing we can store in memory.  The Psalmist gives us a great reason to memorize Scripture:  "Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee."  That's a great motive to memorize Scripture, wouldn't you agree?

The subject of Scripture memorization turns many people off.  Although most Christians will agree that memorizing Scripture is good, most are not actively involved in this wonderful spiritual discipline.  In fact, when the subject of Scripture memorization is mentioned, almost immediately some people decide the subject is not relevant to them. 

Why do many Christians feel that Scripture memorization is just not for them?  I believe there are two reasons why people are not involved in Scripture memorization.  First, most well meaning believers state that their memory is terrible and memorization is a waste of time.  Here's the real issue.  They blame their memory when the real problem is that they focus too much on the product and too little on the process.  Obviously, the product (a memorized verse or passage) is a wonderful thing.  However, the real blessing lies in the process.  The regular process of memorization and review gives you an opportunity to internalize God's Word.  This deliberate process allows you to meditate and spiritually digest the Scripture.  Instead of focusing on the result, focus on the process.

Here's the second reason why Christians feel that Scripture memorization is not relevant to them:  the process of memorizing Scripture requires T-I-M-E.  Most believers feel that they don't have time to memorize and recite Scripture.  It does require time to memorize and review Scripture, but it is time well spent.  Anything worthwhile in life requires an investment of time. 

I believe that the process of Scripture memorization helps us to know God better and draw closer to Him.  Here are just a few short tips to encourage you as you memorize Scripture.

1.  START NOW

The earlier you start on this process, the better.  Young people tend to memorize and retain Scripture better than adults.  There's a lesson to learn from this. Regardless of your age, do not delay any longer.  Get started with the process of Scripture memorization today. 

2. USE INDEX CARDS

Often I use 3 x 5 inch index cards to help me memorize Scripture.  Personally, I get an affordable pack of 100 cards at the local Dollar General Store.  I write out the verse(s) on one side of the card and put the Scripture reference on the other side.  I find it is easy to carry an index card in my shirt pocket wherever I go.  I can't tell you the number of times I've had to sit and wait at the doctor's office.  I learned a while back to take memory cards with me when I go to the doctor.  Those waiting moments are wonderful times of memorization and review.

3.  USE A SIMPLE PROCESS

I was listening to an audio book last year, written by John Piper.  In one chapter, Piper mentioned how he memorized large portions of Scripture.  Although I had memorized verses (and chapters) before, his process turned out to be a great improvement over my old method.  Here's a brief version of the method he shared:

Day 1:  Read the verse slowly ten times.  Then recite the verse ten times.  If necessary, look at the verse on your memory card if you have problems remembering it.

Day 2:  Review the verse from yesterday.  Read the verse slowly ten times. Then recite the verse ten times. If necessary, look at the verse on your memory card if you have problems remembering it.  Continue this process daily until the verse is firmly planted in your memory.

4.  WHEN POSSIBLE, RECITE THE VERSE ALOUD

I have found that I can recite a verse silently much better than I can recite it aloud.  However, if I can't recite the verse aloud, I really don't have the verse firmly established in my memory bank.

5.  HAVE SOMEONE HELP YOU

A friend can help you with the process.  Give them the memory card.  Recite the verse aloud and let them verify your work.  If your friend is an unbeliever, it will expose him to God's Word & show him that you are committed to the Bible.  If your friend is a believer, helping with your memorization may encourage him in his faith and may even inspire him to memorize Scripture, too.

6.  REVIEW, REVIEW

The key to long-term memory retention is found in regular review of the Scripture.  The longer you retain a verse (or passage) the less you need to review it.  Still, it is important to review even the older verses from time to time.

7.  DON'T QUIT

The enemy wants you to give up on Scripture memorization.  He knows that long-term exposure to God's Word will help you think right thoughts, based on the truth.  At the same time, he knows the Scriptures will root out wrong thinking. No wonder the devil tries to keep Christians from memorizing Scripture!

As I mentioned earlier, memorizing verses, passages and chapters of the Word will help you to know God better, draw closer to Him and strengthen you spiritually.  Pick out a verse or two, put them individually on index cards and section off time daily to memorize and review.

Get started today!