Lately, I have been memorizing Scriptures. It takes some work, but the benefits of knowing His word are peace and strength…just to name a few of the them!
When I was a new Christian, I memorized almost immediately after conversion, soaking up God’s word like a sponge, but then…life got in the way, and I grew lax, failing to see the power that came from His word. I would assume -alas!- that my being Christian did not necessitate adopting a vigorous plan of Scripture memorization because that just might be construed as legalism. And, didn’t God want us to be free from such man-made regulations as mentioned in Colossians 2:8?
Yes, recalling a verse like that to support my lack of Scripture memorization was a sample of proof texting and showed me that I knew just enough of God’s word to be a danger to myself!
So, if memorizing God’s word is not legalistic, then do I really have to do it?
My dear friends, that is the wrong question to ask yourselves for though the answer, I think, is a resounding NO, that NO comes with consequences of things such as a vague peace of mind when you become inundated with struggles that are sucking the life blood out of you and you have all you can do to breathe, let alone go through an empty rolodex of Scriptures to find where in the world does it mention God’s peace in His word! Sure you know that God loves you, but when you are struggling or under attack, the Enemy of your soul who knows His word, will take it and bring confusion and doubt into your life. Didn’t the enemy try that with Jesus! Please consider that if Jesus underwent such temptation, that you will too!
When struggles come, our focus kicks in to survival mode and if we have not built a foundational habit of hiding His Word in our hearts, then we will be scrambling as children of our Father to find his refuge.
When you know His word and it comes welling up in your heart and mind during those seasons of life, it brings so much assurance because it reminds you of His presence, His sustenance, His power, His promise, etc. And, you can lean on that, wrap your life around it…regardless of what hits you!
I am following a program to memorize Scripture that is found at memverse.com. If you do use it, please let me know what you think of it.
Again, the object of memorizing Scripture is not to amass a great index of texts that you can rattle off whenever, but to help you and others realize that God really does have answers and provides guidance in any situation!
Blessings on your journey!
-Michael