How and Why You Should Memorize Scripture
By Rick Warren
“Remember what Christ taught, and let his words enrich your lives and make you wise” (Colossians 3:16 TLB).
The Bible is a gift that offers you so much. But like a box full of treasure, it does you no good unless you have the keys to unlock it.
One of the keys to unlocking the Bible is Scripture memorization. Nothing will do more for your Christian life than developing the habit of memorizing Bible verses.
It’s a habit that will assist you in overcoming temptation. Psalm 119:11 says, “I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you” (NIV). Memorizing the Bible helps you to resist temptation.
John 15:7 says that having God’s Word in your heart also leads to answered prayers. It says, “If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you” (ESV).
Memorizing Scripture also helps you have victory over worry, keeps you encouraged, and develops your prayer life. Having God’s Word memorized makes it easier to counsel and share the Good News of Jesus with other people because you have Bible verses always at the ready.
I’ve heard all the excuses for not memorizing Scripture. People say, “I just can’t memorize.”
The truth is that you remember what’s important to you and the things that you use. So the questions are: Do you value God’s Word enough to commit some verses to memory? Do you read God’s Word often enough that you start to remember it?
Think of all the times during the day that you pick up your smartphone—maybe as you’re waiting in the carpool line, on your lunch break, or sitting on your couch in the evening. What if you spent those times memorizing Scripture instead? In your lifetime, you’d probably memorize several books of the Bible that way.
If you’re new to Scripture memory, start with just one verse a week. Write the verse on a piece of paper or in a note on your phone. Pull it out and look at it several times a day. And when you’re ready to move on to the next verse, keep reviewing the ones you’ve already memorized.
It’s important to get a partner— maybe a friend, coworker, spouse, or child. Say your verses to each other and encourage each other to keep up the habit.
As you memorize the Bible, you’ll find yourself changing for the better: “Remember what Christ taught, and let his words enrich your lives and make you wise” (Colossians 3:16 TLB).
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This devotional © 2018 by Rick Warren. All rights reserved. Used by permission.
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