Tuesday, February 21, 2012

“For the Lord gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding.” Proverbs 2:6


Scripture memorization.

I don’t know what it is about my aging brain. When I was in school, especially in college, I could memorize like nobody’s business – internalizing information relevant to my major. In my Master’s program, I was able to memorize verbatim things like law, negotiation and management.

So why is it, that now when I earnestly want to memorize Scripture, I struggle?

In the nine years since I was saved, I cannot seem to diligently memorize the very word that is transforming me. I can grasp concepts and can speak generally about the Scripture I read, but word-for-word and knowing exactly the book, chapter and verse, not quite.

It is a struggle I share because I wonder if this is something that other Christians experience and if there are things I can do to improve in this area?

I’m hopeful. I’m praying about it. I’m working harder at it.

In Bible study, our group is urged to take this particular session to a deeper level. We are encouraged to write out the entire book of James AND memorize it. I tell you, writing out the words of our God in my own handwriting is having a profound impact in my heart.

The words on the page in writing that is of my own hand is somehow making it seem more alive, more equipping, even more real. My prayer is that through writing out the book, and studying it deeper through this study, it will begin to settle into those places in my heart where I need it to rest, to live and to stay. I pray that I begin to learn those Scriptures so they can truly transform my heart.

This is something I sense God is urging me to do at this point in my life. I’m hearing it also from several other believers lately as well. It’s like God is aligning us for what is bound to be coming at us in the future. I believe the only way to truly equip ourselves for the ongoing battles we face is to know the truth in our hearts so we can use that truth as ammunition.

Do you have memorization techniques or tips? I’d love for you to share them.

4 comments:

  1. I agree that writing out Scripture has a powerful effect. I have also put some psalms to music as a way to memorize them. If you're musically inclined, it's kind of fun and it really sticks.

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  2. And I thought this was just me. I have struggled with this for some time now and haven't found a sure thing yet.

    If you find something that gets your brain jump started...let me know. ;-)

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    1. Oh, no! It isn't just you! So far, I like the singing idea. And, the other was just good old fashioned study time. There's no easy way, I guess! I did hear there's a good app for the phone. Maybe, I'll try that.

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