Scripture Memorization

Posted on November 24, 2016 by Graeme Wilson in Victory Call

I have stored up your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you. Psalm 119:11
As a new believer, a few moons ago, I remember memorizing Scripture because it was the thing to do.  I knew as a good Christian I was to memorize the Word. Plus I was walking through a difficult time in my life and thought that it would surely help.
I remember reviewing and rehearsing the words over and over again as I sought to commit them to memory.  As I read the verse over and over – there was little connection with my heart.  I knew it was the Word of God – no doubt — but in some way they were words on a page.  Being new in the faith, I didn’t have many life experiences with the Lord yet so there were few hooks to hang the words on.
Recently I have been thinking about my own pursuit of Scripture memorization over the years – sometimes avid but mostly weak and puny—and the impact the Scripture has had in my walk, progressive growth and maturity.
Memorizing the words is valuable – don’t get me wrong – but the real explosive power is not committing God word to memory – but committing His Word to our hearts.  If all we do is memorize the words so we can repeat them back – an intellectual pursuit – we have missed the true value of Scripture memorization.
When I call to mind a verse I have committed to memory but not to my heart – it may have glancing impact on me; but when I call to mind a verse hidden in my heart – it changes me.
That’s the power of the Word – not just knowing it but actually believing it.  God’s Word changes me when I apply it with faith, trusting and believing the Author.
Oh, how I love the Word of God.  It is powerful, life-changing, healing and beautiful.  Embrace the Word and don’t let it collect dust on your end table. Open your heart and let the Word reside there. You’ll be thankful you did.
Blessings, Diane
After serving 16 years full-time on the staff of America’s Keswick, Diane Hunt and her husband moved to North Carolina where she continues to serve part-time as a contributing writer and Partner Care Consultant.  She is also a biblical counselor and women’s event speaker. For more information about having Diane speak at your next event please contact her at dhunt@americaskeswick.org.