memorizing

Memorize God’s Word

“Thy word have I hid in my heart, that I might not sin against Thee,” Psalm 119:11

Do you struggle with sin?

If you answered, “yes,” then you’re an honest person. I don’t know anyone who doesn’t feel the pull of the world and things that draw us away from God. 

Since Psalm 119:11 tells us that hiding God’s word in our heart is a key to not sinning, let’s get started! 

1.     Pray and ask God to help you understand the verse and hide it in your heart.

2.     Read the verses before and after the verse you’re going to memorize in order to grasp the context in which the verse was written.  Is it talking about trials or does it reveal a promise to which you can cling?  Is it a message of hope?  Or is it calling you to a higher level of Christian commitment?

3.     Write or type the verse, thinking about it as you do. Bodily engaging yourself in the verse helps you remember it.

4.     Meditate on the verse. Savor the richness of it. Chew on it. Think it through. 1 Corinthians 2:15 states, “But he who is spiritual appraises all things…” The Greek word for “appraise” means examine or judge, to investigate, inquire into, scrutinize, sift, question, determine the excellence of anything. As you look at the verse, sift it through your daily experience. How will that verse affect a burden you’re carrying, a temptation you’re facing, or a joy you’re celebrating?

5.     Form word pictures or visualize your verse in living color! If it’s talking about your body being the temple of the Holy Spirit, (1 Corinthians 6:19) look at your body. As you look at it, think of it as a temple. It has an outer frame, your flesh. It has an inner part, your spirit. Christ dwells there. Are you meeting with Him?

6.     Consider the difference the verse makes to you. For instance, when I read Jesus’ words in John 14:27, “Do not let your heart be troubled, nor let it be fearful,” He tells me several things. First, He’s giving me a command to not let my heart be troubled. I need to question if I’m being obedient. In addition, if I’m troubled about something, I need to take note. I need to ask myself, “What am I troubled about?” I need to ask myself if I’ve taken that trouble to God and prayed about it. I need to do the same thing in relation to being fearful. I need to ask myself, “Why am I fearful? Do I not trust God to take me through this?”

7.     Look for repetition of words or for contrasts or similarities. Diagram or sketch the verse to help seal it in your mind and heart. For instance, using Colossians 1:17,

            He is BEFORE     all things
            And   IN   Him       all things 

8.     Pray the verse. For instance 1 Corinthians 4:20, “For the kingdom of God does not consist in word but in power.” Father, You are a God of power! Forgive me for talking about your power, but not living by it. Please reign in my life today. Reign powerfully over my mind, emotions, and will. Help me walk by Your power, not just talk about it.

9.     Write your verse on an index card or paper. Place it in a prominent place so you can see it throughout the day. Take it with you in the car or in your purse. Read over it several times a day and before you go to bed. If you are on the computer during the day, type it several times. When you do, ponder the words you type.

10.      Put your verse to music. Make up a tune or sing your verse to a familiar tune.

Record your favorite verses. Use the prior tips to help you hide them in your heart. Begin now.

Verse:________________________
________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________

Verse:________________________
________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________

Verse:________________________
________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________

Verse:________________________
________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________

Verse:________________________
________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________

Verse:________________________
________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________

Verse:________________________
________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________

Verse:________________________
________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________

Memorizing God’s Word copyright Debbie Taylor Williams, 2007