Not long ago I shared this thought on Facebook:
When we copy Scripture and carry it with us throughout the day, reading it and memorizing it, we make God’s Word a part of us. As Paul said, “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly” (Colossians 3:16).
We received some great responses about memorizing Scripture, and I’m sharing some of them here. I also appreciated the example of positive and encouraging interaction on social media:
Natalie: Yes! I was challenged to memorize the Book of James so I wrote it out and memorized it while walking dogs, walking on treadmill in winter and just wherever I was. I can say the whole thing although I have to practice, or I lose some of it. I'm 60 so age doesn't matter. God's Word is eternal.
Sandy: How many verses did you memorize at a time? Or did it vary? I’ve always wanted to do this with the Book of James…..and now I will.
Natalie: I just repeated the first section and then would add to it. The first chapter is long, so it took a while. Then I did the same with the second, always going back to the first also for a refresher. I've read that many Muslims memorize the Koran, which is very confusing and plagiarizes some Scripture, so we believers can certainly retain God's Word. The cool thing is in certain situations in my life, one of those verses will pop up inside to correct, teach, or assure me. You can do it!
Sandy: Thank you for these suggestions….and your encouragement!
Terry: I’m working on memorizing Romans 8. My beloved late husband memorized it in 2017 after he had a major stroke at the age of 70, in order to keep his brain active and mostly to give hope to his spirit. Our son read it at his funeral three years later in December 2020. I was motivated to memorize it also, as a memorial to him and because it makes me feel closer to him (and to the Lord of course!), since he’s with the Word in Person now! I’m on verse 22. It’s hard but I persevere, writing it out often. I figure if my beloved accomplished this after a terrible and debilitating stroke, I am without excuse. I’m 67 years “young” BTW )
I also know without a doubt that my dear husband left his family with a spiritual legacy more precious than fine gold. I’ve been able to use these verses often in ministering to others. And so, exponentially, Phil is continuing to reach people even though he is no longer present on this earth. It’s truly amazing! His works in life continue to bear fruit through his family. We surely do miss him and are looking forward to Heaven and the New Earth! (PS I work on this while at the gym as well. Folks must think I’m talking to myself )
Natalie: What a wonderful testimony of a life well lived of your husband and how, as you say, he is still bearing fruit. You are as well! Praise Him. I am also a widow as of 1-27-21 and I also rejoice in KNOWING my husband is with the Lord. He came to the Lord late, two and a half years before his death, but he grew so much in those few years. It was wonderful to see who God had made him to be rather than the lost soul he was before. We rejoice in life and in death because we are His. Blessings to you and your family and your memorization.
Terry: You know of course that now I am crying (which happens often these days ) I truly feel your pain as well as your joy that we “sorrow not as those who have no hope” because we will all meet and you and I will have our loved ones with us for all eternity. Perhaps our husbands are discussing us together as we speak, who knows?
For ideas to get you started, see You Can Memorize Scripture This Year.
Photo by Hannah Busing on Unsplash
