By Linda Krushke
“I’m worried about my son. He lost his job,” my friend shared. “How will he pay the rent?”
In answer, these words flowed from my heart: “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” Philippians 4:6–7 NIV.
This is my go-to verse in the face of fear and worry. It guided me when my son struggled to find work after his art college closed. Its instruction to pray and thank God has seen me through countless trials, from my own job losses to dealing with chronic pain. We live in a broken world where worry seems inevitable. Yet I no longer worry. I pray and give thanks, and the peace of God truly does take over.
I can’t always cite chapter and verse of scripture written on my heart. Still, the wisdom I need is brought to mind exactly when I need it. Jesus told His disciples, “But when the Father sends the Advocate as my representative—that is, the Holy Spirit—he will teach you everything and will remind you of everything I have told you” John 14:26 NLT.
The important phrase in this verse is “will remind you.” The Holy Spirit can only remind me of things I have memorized or meditated on.
A CHILDHOOD EXAMPLE
When I was a child, I admired Linus van Pelt’s recitation of Luke 2 on A Charlie Brown Christmas. Charlie Brown asks, “Can anyone tell me what Christmas is all about?” Linus had the perfect verse ready to answer this age-old question. It made me want to have God’s truths ready to share.
But how do I plant God’s wisdom in my heart and mind so that the Holy Spirit can bring it to the forefront when the needarises? I have successfully employed four strategies.
1. FOLLOW A DAILY PLAN
The first strategy involves cultivating a daily habit of reading scripture following a Bible reading plan. Although sometimes it feels like I’m just checking off the chapters in my reading plan, God uses that time to speak into my heart.
A plan helps me to be intentional about reading the whole story of God’s relationship with His people. Without a plan, I’m tempted to stick with the easy books and skip over Leviticus, Ezekiel, and Revelation. But every part of God’s Word is important. “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work” 2 Timothy 3:16–17 NIV.
I am currently working my way through a blended Old and New Testament plan. This is my fourth time through the whole Bible. With each reading, more of God’s truth takes root.
2. ONE PSALM AT A TIME
The second strategy is a focused method of memorizing scripture. This practice began as a way to endure a chore I do not like: washing dishes. Initially, my purpose was to adjust my attitude about this task, but I gained so much more.
I started with Psalms. I handwrote Psalm 1 and taped it to the window above my kitchen sink. As I scrubbed and rinsed, I re-read the Psalm, until I remembered it without referring to my handwritten copy. Then I handwrote Psalm 2, repeating the process through Psalm 150. While I can no longer recite the Psalms in their entirety, all of that wisdom is stored in myheart. I often use Psalm language in my own prayers or when praying over a friend.
3. GROUP STUDY AND FELLOWSHIP
The third strategy includes the added benefit of fellowship with other believers. I attended my first adult Bible study group over twenty years ago. Rarely have I gone more than a few months without this edifying spiritual practice. Although not strictly a means of memorizing scripture, delving into God’s Word with a desire to understand Him better results in better recall. Sharing in group discussion further solidifies a deeper understanding.
In my current Bible study group, I also teach in the school-age program. I’ve taught both Genesis and Revelation to fourth graders. You cannot teach these challenging scriptures to children without fully immersing yourself in the truth imparted by them.
Encouraging kids to memorize verses and quizzing them each week helped me memorize those same verses. One of the first memory verses of the recent class was Genesis 4:7 NIV: “If you do what is right, will you not be accepted? But if you do not do what is right, sin is crouching at your door; it desires to have you, but you must rule over it.” Before the end of the year, the Holy Spirit had occasion to bring that scripture to my mind as a sinful attitude crouched at my door. Because I had that verse hidden in my heart, I was able to resist temptation.
4. MUSIC FOR MY SOUL
The fourth strategy is the most fun. I listen to Christian music that includes scripture within the lyrics. Whether I’m getting ready for work or running errands, I play uplifting, scripture-filled songs. The combination of words and music solidifies God’s truth in my heart.
Often when I read a passage during my daily reading, I hear the words sung to the tune of a favorite song. Because of the musical connection, the words resonate deeper and stronger.
IT’S ALL ABOUT GOD
The reason I study and memorize scripture is to help me trust in and rely on God in my daily life. It’s not so much about knowing the exact words or being able to cite chapter and verse. It’s about internalizing the truth of who God is to me and who I am to Him. He is my Lord and Savior and I am His beloved daughter. The same is true for you.
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