Committing Scripture to Memory
Committing scripture to memory is an often neglected spiritual discipline. Yet, we are taught throughout the Bible the importance of hiding these words in our heart.
"All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God[a] may be complete, equipped for every good work." 2 Timothy 3:16-17
"I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you." Psalm 119:11
"Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth." John 17:17
"Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God." Colossians 3:16
"For it is no empty word for you, but your very life, and by this word you shall live long in the land that you are going over the Jordan to possess.” Deuteronomy 32:47
"All these things my hand has made, and so all these things came to be, declares the LORD. But this is the one to whom I will look: he who is humble and contrite in spirit and trembles at my word." Isaiah 66:2
There are many more difficult things that we do in our lives than to pick up the Word, read it, and work to memorize it. Yet, it is something that we do not devote ourselves to nearly enough.
What are some of the hindrances that we have when it comes to memorizing the Word?
Taking the time to commit scripture to memory is a matter of interest, not a matter of intellect.
You don't have to be sharp enough, young enough, old enough, smart enough. You simply have to be interested.
Case in point: Imagine someone offers you $1,000 for each verse of scripture you memorize. Interest skyrockets!!
"The law of your mouth is better to me than thousands of gold and silver pieces." Psalm 119:72
"Take my instruction instead of silver, and knowledge rather than choice gold, for wisdom is better than jewels, and all that you may desire cannot compare with her." Proverbs 8:10-11
"How much better to get wisdom than gold! To get understanding is to be chosen rather than silver." Proverbs 16:16
"The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom; all those who practice it have a good understanding. His praise endures forever!" Psalm 111:10
"For the protection of wisdom is like the protection of money, and the advantage of knowledge is that wisdom preserves the life of him who has it." Ecclesiastes 7:12
That value of committing God's Word to memory is more than worthy of our interest, attention, and time.
How can you grow or enlarge your interest in committing scripture to memory?
Committing scripture to memory is not something we try to do, but rather is something we train to do. Memorization is not a one and done event, but a spiritual discipline for those who call Christ Lord.
"Have nothing to do with irreverent, silly myths. Rather train yourself for godliness; for while bodily training is of some value, godliness is of value in every way, as it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come." 2 Timothy 4:7-8
"Every athlete exercises self-control in all things. They do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable." 1 Corinthians 9:25
"Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men," Colossians 3:23
"“All things are lawful for me,” but not all things are helpful. “All things are lawful for me,” but I will not be dominated by anything." 1 Corinthians 6:12
"Live as people who are free, not using your freedom as a cover-up for evil, but living as servants of God." 1 Peter 2:16
We do not merely try to live godly and try to commit scripture to memory, but we put forth the effort it takes to accomplish the prize we are after. Scripture memory needs to be a process of training of regularity in our lives, as we seek to continually store up God’s Word in our heart.
How does the shift in thought from trying to training encourage you in developing the spiritual discipline of committing scripture to memory?
When you decide to commit scripture to memory, the excuses will come!
I don't have time.
I'm out of brain space.
I don't know where to start.
I don't think I can do it.
What if I don't get it.
I'll start tomorrow.
To help combat those excuses, a sure fire way to help you in committing scripture to memory is to invite someone to do it with you!! Secure accountability, someone to touch base with once a week and ask, "What have you memorized this week?" "What current verse are you committing to memory?"
We may delay and put it off, waiting until the last second. But, when you know you are getting together with someone who is holding you accountable, it's helpful when it comes to putting in the effort!
Who comes to mind if you are to ask someone to memorize scripture with you? Who can you ask to hold you accountable?
I want to commit scripture to memory, but I do not know where to start!
Congratulations! Your decision is sure to be a fruitful one!!
First, think about what you most need to meditate on.
Is there an attribute of God that can spur your faith?
What perfections of God do you need to be encouraged by?
What do you need to keep in mind in the midst of your suffering or temptation?
What are the imperatives of Scripture that God has called you to live by?
Start there. Make a list of verses that answers some of these questions for you. Pick a verse that solidifies one of those in your heart.
Then, decide when are you going to memorize it? Because again, we are all busy and our time quickly fills with various things.
While you are brushing your teeth and have it on your mirror
On your commute by audio
At the end of your devotional time
A digital reminder throughout the day
On the fridge to be recited every time you open the door
Where do we start? Pick a verse and set a time! How will you commit scripture to memory this year??
What are some tips + tricks to committing scripture to memory? We're so glad you asked!! We have a few!!
Remember your purpose! Memorizing scripture isn't just to be able to regurgitate text, but also for the purpose of exaltation. Meditating on God's Word should lead us into worship. Psalm 119:62 says, "At midnight I rise to praise you, because of your righteous rules." God's Word incites praise!
Tie the habit to a habit! It is helpful to memorize scripture alongside a habit that is already established in your routine. If you already brush your teeth, tape a card to your mirror. If you already have a commute, listen to a verse on repeat on audio. If you already walk in the mornings, repeat the verse along with cadence of your pace.
Use the verse to memorize the verse! Don't merely store up the word for a future battle, but consider how the truth of the verse impacts and affects your daily life. Wield the verse against the enemy's schemes and the desires of your flesh. Use the verse to minister to others in conversation.
Read the verse more than you read social media! Many of us default to our devices. Imagine if we train ourselves to look at the holy, inerrant, life-giving Word of God when we have our phone in our hand instead of defaulting to social media in a moment of boredom, impatience, or escape. Click the Word instead of socials.
How might our hearts be calmed, our sorrows be lifted, and our love be fueled by storing the Word in our hearts? Surely, our hearts will resonate with the psalmist who declares, "Great peace have those who love your law; nothing can make them stumble." Psalm 119:165
What tips and tricks have you found helpful in committing scripture to memory?
