Last week I shared the first verse in our Monthly Memory Verse series. (If you missed that post, you can find it here.) This week I want to share my “why”. Why do I memorize scripture?
As with anything we do, our why is important. It’s what compels us. It’s the driving force behind what we do. Without a why, we lack the motivation and determination to stick to it, press in and stay the course for the long haul.
So, why do I invest time, energy and discipline it takes to firmly plant God’s Word in my heart and mind?
#1: My mind is sick without it.
First of all, like the rest of me, my mind is fallen. It worships only self and thrives on getting its way. It’s a slave to its passions and held captive by its desires.
My mind’s soundtrack is a broken record of lies. Fear barks orders constantly. Worry occupies every corner. And, its wheels are always spinning – plotting, planning, rehearsing. Although exhausting, my mind’s desperate hunger for control won’t let it quit.
Apart from God, my mind is sick. It can’t be trusted. It needs the Word of God like an infection needs antibiotics.
I have a hunch I’m not alone in this. But, just to be sure, take this Mind Inventory to see if your mind is sick too.
Download your own copy here.
#2: It works.
Secondly, I memorize scripture because I’ve experienced its power.
It would be easy for me to quote scripture right now about the life-changing power of God’s Word, but what I really want to tell you is this: Memorizing scripture works!
God’s Word is the medicine our sick minds need.
I’m telling you, friends – when we get serious about wallpapering our minds with the truth – when we press into its pages and do the work – when we are intentional about exchanging lies for truth – we will be changed. Dramatically. From the inside out.
There’s no substitute for the spiritual discipline of memorizing scripture. It does a deep, supernatural work.
As the rain and the snow
come down from heaven,
and do not return to it
without watering the earth
and making it bud and flourish,
so that it yields seed for the sower and bread for the eater,
so is my word that goes out from my mouth:
It will not return to me empty,
but will accomplish what I desire
and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.Isaiah 55:10-11
#3: This is how God most often speaks to me.
Finally, I memorize scripture because this is how God most often speaks to me.
As much as I would love to hear a big, booming voice from heaven, most of the time I hear from God through the quiet voice of His Word spoken back to me. I hear from Him when His Word scrolls through my mind instead of my own, a voice that comforts, guides and strengthens me when I need it most.
The more I am acquainted with God’s Word – the character and nature of His words, the tone and authority of His voice – the more I can recognize His voice when He’s speaking to me.
Knowing God’s Word makes us better hearers.
“Hearing God becomes a reliably clear and practical matter for the mind that is transformed by this washing of the word.” Dallas Willard
Memorizing scripture widens my context for understanding and receiving His voice. I never want to lose the ability to hear from Him.
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Although simple, my three whys (My mind is sick. It works. It’s how I most often hear from Him) keep me pressing in and hungry for more. My need for its life-changing power will never run dry.
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If you make a regular habit of memorizing scripture, what are your whys?
If you’re new to this and are interested in memorizing 11 Bible Verses to grow your faith in 2017, subscribe to these blog posts in the box below, and look for the title Monthly Memory Verse for your new verse each month. (You can do this!! Only one verse per month.)
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Happy week, all!
Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful. Joshua 1:8
So I can tell the real from the fake.
Yes!! That’s a huge reason why. 🙂
I am trying. I find that the older my children get the more I feel the need to be able to give them words to guide them to Him. When they are hurting, wanting to quit something, feeling left out, I want to know where the verses are that can help me be a better mom to them and the words I have learned help me with all those same feelings.
Totally agree. Your kids have a pretty great mom 🙂