In Praise of Memorization
How can a young person stay pure?
By obeying your word.
I have tried hard to find you—
don’t let me wander from your commands.
I have hidden your word in my heart,
that I might not sin against you.
I praise you, O Lord;
teach me your decrees. – Psalm 119:9-12, NLT
Memorization continues to grow more foreign to us. Who knows anyone’s phone number anymore? We have a cell phone to keep that information for us. But, 20 years ago, everyone had several phone numbers committed to memory. Who remembers someone’s address or directions to their house? Again our “smartphone” will keep track of that data so why retain it or take the effort to commit it to memory. Increasingly, I find that the Bible falls into the same category. After all, I have an app for that- why memorize it? Here is where I want to draw a helpful and sharp distinction though. For we do often memorize things we cherish. Your favorite song’s lyrics for instance. But, we don’t need to memorize Scripture because we cherish it. There is something supernatural that happens when we memorize the living Word of God (Hebrews 4:12). God’s Word has the potential to do amazing things in transforming us as we internalize it. Psalm 119 is a song dedicated to the rich beauty and benefit of cherishing God’s law. Even the portion above points out the clear advantage of having God’s word, ‘hidden’ inside you. It’s how we stay pure and how, in part, God keeps us from wandering. If memory work is hard for you or you are new to it (or maybe you haven’t done it in a while), don’t be afraid to start small. Maybe a verse or two that are super important or significant to you. Don’t be discouraged if it starts slow or is hard, that’s very normal. Moreover it is what we often find with anything worthwhile. Ask God for help. Maybe find a fellow Christian to memorize with and to hold you accountable to doing the work. Use memory helps, like songs. Write a verse or two on your bathroom mirror in dry erase marker. Commit it to memory, erase, repeat. Read the same verse or two every day for a week. Read it out loud. You can do this! Moreover, you need it. For once you internalize God’s Word, the Holy Spirit can help you call it to mind as it applies to life. If you aren’t sure where to start, why not start with the verses found here? Or, start with Psalm 121. Whatever you do, don’t say that it’s too hard or not worth the effort.
Questions for further discussion/application:
· What have you memorized already? How did you memorize those things? How can that help you as you seek to memorize Scripture?
· How many verses do you have memorized? You might surprise yourself- be encouraged, you can do this!
· When was one time that a memorized Scripture helped you? Have you ever been able to share a memorized Scripture with someone else?