(This is part 3 of a 5 part series on spiritual disciplines, check out part 1, part 2, part 4 & part 5)
It’s 5 minutes until the Bible study starts. You forgot again…Scripture memory! You start scrambling to memorize your verse for the week. You’re anxious.
“Will they call on me?” “Will I have to say it out loud?” Will I have time to sneak a peak midway through the study?” “I hope the verse is short!”
Can you relate?
I’ve done it like that too many times to count. Sure, I can usually save face at the study and recall the verse decent enough. But I won’t remember it 30 minutes after it ends.
Is that the way Scripture Memory is supposed to work?
If you’ve struggled to stay consistent in Scripture memory or if you have a hard time reviewing verses and remembering them; this article is for you!
Why Memorize Scripture?
When I first started growing in my faith Stephen, the guy discipling me, showed me this picture called the “Word Hand.” It showed the 5 different ways Christians are supposed to take in the Bible.
You hear it. Read it. Study it. Memorize it. Meditate on it.
Each one takes progressively more effort, but the payout for each grows as well. Studies show you only remember 5-10% of what you hear, 10-15% of what you read, 20-35% of what you study, but 100% of what you memorize.
Scripture memory is an easy one to leave out!
I believe Scripture Memory is one of the most powerful spiritual disciplines. I’ve noticed it unlocks growth in every other area of my devotional time. When I’m memorizing verses consistently I enjoy the Bible more. I pray more. I’m more motivated.
Chuck Swindoll says, “I know of no other single practice in the Christian life more rewarding, practically speaking, than memorizing Scripture. . . . No other single exercise pays greater spiritual dividends! Your prayer life will be strengthened. Your witnessing will be sharper and much more effective. Your attitudes and outlook will begin to change. Your mind will become alert and observant. Your confidence and assurance will be enhanced. Your faith will be solidified” (From Growing Strong in the Seasons of Life, 61).
Not only that, it helps you fight sin!
Psalm 119:11 says, “I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.”
Ephesians 6:17 says the Bible is the “sword of the spirit.” When Jesus battled temptation in the desert he quoted from verses in Deuteronomy he had memorized!
It fills your mind with truth. It helps you when you share the gospel with others. You’ll give better counsel when someone asks for advice.
You’ve got to memorize Scripture!
A lot of believers start out with great intentions to memorize Scripture. It’s easy to get excited with some notecards and a ring. But without the right review system or some accountability most struggle to stay consistent.
I don’t want you to fizzle out after a week or two!!
I want to help you memorize 100 verses over the next year, enjoy it and remember them all!! Wouldn’t that be amazing!?
I’m focused on making this a consistent habit again for me in 2020. Let’s do it together!
Put it Into Practice
How do you memorize Scripture?
It’s not enough just to want to memorize Scripture. You have to commit 5 actions. If any is missing it will add too much extra effort and make it difficult to continue.
Here they are:
- Have a plan of verses
Some seasons I’ve tried to pick verses from my reading to memorize. That never worked for long because it was unclear and inconsistent. Since then I’ve stuck to plans that tell me what verses to memorize.
The first set of verses I ever memorized was the Topical Memory System from the Navigators. It lists 60 verses on various topics. Once I finished that I did their second one called TMS Life Issues. It gives another set of 60. That’s a great place to start!
I typically try to memorize 2 new verses per week. So over the course of a year, I would have 104 new verses!
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- Have a review system
One of the biggest complaints about Scripture memory is the lack of consistent review. People memorize a verse one week but then can’t remember it a week later. “What’s the point??” they think. I agree!! If you don’t review you won’t remember verses and you won’t stick with it.
Watch this video to see how I do my review!!
- Keep everything together
I’ve noticed that in order to do it consistently I have to have everything together. I can’t have a separate ring or box for daily and weekly verses. I can’t have verses tucked away in different places. If it’s not in my box I don’t do it. It’s just one extra step that makes it difficult. So keep all your verses together in the same place where you see it every day.
- Do it first
The other thing I’ve learned is that I have to do it first thing in the morning. If I skip Scripture memory and think I’m going to do it later, I don’t. I’ve tried carrying around the pouch of cards thinking having it on me would make it handy. It didn’t. Building the habit of reviewing my verses first thing in the morning is my habit for 2020. I do it before I read the Bible that morning.
- Make it prayerful
Some people complain that Scripture memory becomes rote review and isn’t good for their heart. I agree. It can be that way sometimes. I still want to memorize verses because I know it’s good for me. God says it is. However, one thing that has helped engage my heart more is to pray through my verses. While reviewing I’ll stop and pray the verse for the first person or situation that comes to mind.
So there you go! Get started on this habit in 2020! It will do wonders for your heart and mind. God promises His Word does not return empty but accomplishes his purposes! (Isaiah 55:10-11). Just think what God will be getting done in and through you with His Word stored up in your heart!
Plus…you won’t have to sweat it the next time you walk into your Bible study!
FEEDBACK!
If you have any questions or clarification on getting started please leave a comment and let me know. I’d love to hear what verses you are going to start with!
