As a young girl, I remember (not necessarily
fondly) having to memorize several piano music pieces for recitals. It was
challenging and fun and probably “good for me”, but I just couldn’t see it at
that time. Performing in front of my peers and several judges was also pretty
nerve racking. Nevertheless, the act of memorizing itself did bring me a
feeling of accomplishment.
Flash forward to today and I
do enjoy memorizing things, but for different reasons. I have also found out that working at
memorization is physiologically good for your brain. The older I get, I want to make sure I
exercise that part of my body as well.
So for exercising our brains, and the strength of our faith, memorizing
Scripture is a great way to achieve both those things.
Several Christian leaders and
influential teachers have shown us the benefits of memorizing scripture. The
prolific author Chuck Swindoll writes:
“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” (Growing
Strong in the Seasons of Life, 61).
The benefits of Memorization
are well documented, but additional benefits to memorizing specifically
Scripture also provide unique benefits as well.
I found an interesting blog that helps to provide inspiration for
memorizing and studying scripture. It is called In The Mirror of God and can be found at: https://inthemirrorofgod.com/ She
details many benefits from memorizing scripture including:
·
It builds your Faith
·
It keeps you from Sin
·
It Equips you for Spiritual
warfare
·
It keeps your Mind at Peace
·
It Helps you know Biblical Truth
& Keeps you from Error
She also provides on this
blog several methods to help you memorize scripture and ways to enrich your
life as a Christian.
So, since we all know the
benefits of scripture memorization, I would encourage all of us to share our favorites
with each other. Perhaps you will find a
new one that you would like to rise to the challenge of memorizing. For the
record, here are a few of my very favorites that I almost have memorized. I
will keep working on them:
Psalm 4:8: In peace I will both lie down and sleep; for you alone, O LORD, make me dwell in safety.
Philippians
4:6-7: Do not be anxious about
anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let
your requests be made known to God. 7 And the peace of God, which
surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ
Jesus.
Matthew 6:26 :Look at the birds of the air: they do not sow or reap or gather into barns--and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?
Psalm
86:7 : In the
Day of trouble I will call to you, for you will answer me.
Hebrews 11:1 Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance
about what we do not see.
Looking forward to hearing about your favorites. You can email me at: Julieetta05@gmail.com or you can respond on this blog. I check my blogs regularly.
Thanks! Julie
