Memorize Scripture!!! That was the encouragement I received over the last week… As I listened to John Piper’s radio program the other day, I was encouraged by an interview in which he stressed the importance of memorizing scripture. The word of God is a sword which we need to carry with us in our head, not our pocket. In the time of need, in trial or in temptaion, we don’t have the time to fumble about trying to find our Bibles and then look for a verse to combat the problem at hand. No, we must have God’s promises alive in in our head and heart!
Let me give you some examples. If we struggle with covetousness, we cut off temptation by quoting scripture to ourselves… “Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with such things as you have. For He Himself has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” So we may boldly say: ‘The LORD is my helper; I will not fear. What can man do to me? “– Hebrews 13:5-6. Or maybe you have fallen to sin and feel condemned. You need to have Gospel truths gushing out of you like Romans 8:1, “There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus…” or Romans 8:33-34, “Who shall bring a charge against God’s elect? It is God who justifies. Who is he who condemns? It is Christ who died, and furthermore is also risen, who is even at the right hand of God, who also makes intercession for us.” Indeed there is a huge difference in picking up God’s word for a few minutes and having it lodged in our head.
The psalmist says in Psalm 1:2-3 “…in His law he meditates day and night. He shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that brings forth its fruit in its season, whose leaf also shall not wither; And whatever he does shall prosper.” This blessed man is marked by the word of God being woven into his soul. Memorization and meditation makes one strong, fruitful, joyous, and prosperous at any given time in any given situation.
Oh God, may we be like this blessed man, who has your Words in his every thought. Help us to memorize and meditate on your truth, that we would be filled with hope and joy, that we would be strong in the fight of faith! All for your names sake. AMEN!
“Your words were found, and I ate them,
And Your word was to me the joy and rejoicing of my heart…” – Jeremiah 15:16
J. C. Hahne
It's All By Grace! 