Some people think they cannot memorize Scripture at all. They give excuses like, “I’m too old” or “I can’t remember anything” or “I can’t even remember where I put my keys” or something like that.
What’s funny is that if you think about it, God made us all with incredible minds. We can remember events that happened years ago. We remember friends, conversations, parties, sports events, meals, vacations and songs from very long ago. Sometimes we remember the most minute details. God made us all with incredible minds.
So, you can memorize Scripture.
Why should you? Because when you get God’s Word deep into your mind and your heart, God can bring it to memory at just the time you need it, either for you or to share with someone else.
The psalmist writes to God: “I have hidden Your word in my heart that I might not sin against You.” Psalm 119:11
Jesus overcame temptations using these words, “It is written…” in Matthew chapter 4. He was quoting Scripture.
Peter quoted Scripture in Acts 2 when he shared with a group of people how they could be forgiven of their sin and given new life in Christ.
Let me offer you five tips to memorizing Scripture.
1. Write the Scripture down. Many people use note cards and place them on their mirrors, in their car, or to carry around in their pocket. You may want to write it down digitally, even posting it to your status so that you have easy access to see it.
2. Look at it often. It does you no good to just write it down and never look at it. Review it throughout the day and the week. Think about the words, break the verse down into parts and learn each part until you have the whole thing memorized.
3. Use the arts. If you are artistic or musical, perhaps you want to make the verse into a song, a poem or a picture. Even if you are not artistic, sometimes a simple sketch can help you visualize the words of the verse and help commit them to memory.
4. Share the Scripture with someone. Find a friend, a stranger or even a pet and share the verse with them. Tell them you are trying to memorize it, and that it is helping you to live out your faith. You may inspire them to memorize Scripture too, or if they are not a Christian yet it may challenge them to read the Bible for themselves and consider trusting in Jesus as Lord & Savior.
5. Ask God to help you. This is the most important one so I saved it for last. You cannot live the Christian life that God wants you to live on your own. We all need God’s help. And the great news is that He wants to help us. Just ask Him. A short prayer, such as, “God, help me memorize this verse. Amen.” Your Heavenly Father loves to hear from you. Ask Him for help.
Here is one verse I am working on memorizing now. Will you join me?
Now the God of all grace, who called you to His eternal glory in Christ Jesus, will personally restore, establish, strengthen, and support you after you have suffered a little. (1 Peter 5:10)