Is it really all that important that I memorize God’s Word? Most Christians aren’t doing this are they? (Part 1 of 3)

“Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.” (Psalm 119:11)

You remember that one, don’t you? From VBS? The pledge to the Bible?

If you have installed a Bible study software program, you could run cross references from that verse and find others.

1 John 2:14 indicates that “being strong in the Lord” implies that the “Word of God abides in us”

Colossians 3:16 says we are to let the Word of God abide in us “richly” which implies “abundantly.”

Many Christians are weak because they have only memorized a few Scriptures. At some point in their lives–perhaps when they were young–they were motivated to memorize a few verses. But, like a passing fad, they left it behind to go on to other pursuits.

A Personal Testimony

When I was a younger man, I struggled a great deal with worry, anxiety, and depression. I only gained the victory over it when I vigorously and persistently started memorizing Scripture. I memorized quite a few verses on the subject of the peace of God. I memorized them thoroughly. I repeated them over and over and over–whether I felt like I needed them at the time or not! Eventually–after some time had passed–they were part of me. They came to my mind quickly and easily. The process of getting to that point was slow–but definitely worth it!

After many years of my own experience and the testimonies of others, I am convinced that memorizing God’s Word is the huge missing factor that leads to the spiritual weakness of many Christians.

Sure, it is difficult. The flesh cries out against it. We have tons of excuses! Our brains prefer to be lazy and passive. But it makes us strong in the Lord!

When Jesus was tempted by Satan in the wilderness, He showed us how to win spiritual battles–by quoting Scripture.

The single most important factor in conquering any temptation to sin is hiding God’s Word in our heart.

If a new Christian were to ask me what I believed to be the single most important factor in spiritual growth, I would unhesitatingly answer, “Memorize Scripture!”

Whatever excuses you have been making (“I’ll do it later!”; “I’m not very smart!”; “I’m too old!”; “I’m just too busy!”; “I’m just too tired!”; “I’m just not able to do it!”) are cheating you out of tremendous blessing from God! Ditch the excuses!

Of course it’s difficult to memorize Scripture! That’s why we are called “disciples!” It takes discipline!

How much Scripture have you memorized? What are you memorizing now? How are you memorizing it? When are you memorizing it? How much time do you spend memorizing it?

We’re talking about the Word of God! Think about it! It needs to be in our hearts!

Next: Memorizing Scripture–How?

steve@aboundingjoy.com