5 Reasons to Tuck Scripture into Your Heart

The warm water pelted my skin, washing away all the physical dirt. Yet I longed for a deeper cleaning, one that would also carry off the emotional grime from a long troubling day. 

I tried to sing; no hymn came to mind. I tried to pray; words failed me. My thoughts remained knotted around the day’s events. 

So I did the only thing I could think of as I lingered in the quiet of the steamy shower: I began to rehearse Psalm 27, the Scripture passage I was committing to memory. (Read why I decided to start this exercise by clicking here.)

Verses 1 through 3 came easily, but the rest took some thought. Yet with each passage recited, I felt my spirit lifting. With each verse whispered into the air, another piece of emotional baggage seemed to rise with it.  

By the time I stepped out of the shower, I felt considerably lighter. My attitude had been transformed, from one of defeat and weakness to one of hope and possibility. 

That’s one of the blessings of storing the Word of God inside. Tucking Scripture into our heart brings comfort and hope when we most need it yet struggle to find it.

Tucking Scripture into our heart brings comfort and hope when we most need it yet struggle to find it. Share on X

I’ve heard of the power of Scripture. I’ve long believed in the power of Scripture. But until I began to familiarize myself with various biblical passages, I missed out on experiencing its power to shape my thoughts and attitude.

Many of us in the Western world don’t feel the need to memorize Scripture. After all we have 4.7 Bibles* on our shelves and an abundance of digital and audio Bibles only a fingertip away. We can always look up a Scripture passage when needed, right?

Reasons to Memorize Scripture

1. God encouraged it. And we would do well to take special note of anything He encourages.
2. There are times when we don’t have the strength to read or even cue up an audio program. When we have Scripture memorized, God nudges it to the forefront of our mind in times of our greatest need.
3. We will know God better and be drawn closer to Him. Increased intimacy with the Lord allows us to better sense His direction for our life.
4. His Word transforms, and we all can use a bit (or a bunch) of transformation in our hearts and minds. 
5. We receive increased peace and joy as our minds are filled with the infinite promises of our Lord instead of the temporal concerns of the world. 

One of the ways God speaks to us is through His Word. What a blessing it is to become more in tune to the Lord’s heartbeat. 

The Challenge

As I take my #Psalm27toheart challenge and work on memorizing the 14 verses of Psalm 27, I’m discovering a richness in the words of Scripture. It hasn’t been easy. In fact, it’s taking me more than twice as long than I had thought.

But as I recite these sacred words several times throughout the day—mouthing them as I get out of bed in the morning; repeating them as I toss laundry into the washing machine; singing them in the shower—as I put in the effort to learn them, they go to work too: traveling deep into my heart and speaking to me in profound ways.

That’s the thing about Scripture memorization: We have to show up. We have to be willing and make an effort.

But as we do what it takes to memorize Scripture, God brings the words alive, ministering to us in the precise way we need Him to.

As we do what it takes to memorize Scripture, God brings words alive, ministering to us in the precise way we need. Share on X

Scripture memorization seems so ordinary to have such a profound effect on our lives. But God often does the extraordinary by using the seemingly ordinary,… 

…like transforming lives through words. 

Here are a few ideas to help you with your Scripture memorization: 

1. Begin by choosing a verse/passage that you are familiar with and that is meaningful to you.
2. Consider using note cards, one for each verse. I like the added reinforcement of writing out my own cards, but there are also memory card makers online like the Verse Card Maker. 
3. Experiment with different tools to help with your memorization, like using Scripture Typer, an online app that allows you to practice the verse by typing it and tracks progress. Memverse.com is an app for those people who would like to do all their memorizing online (not me; I need a hard copy). 
4. Make use of those moments when your body is engaged but your mind is free to memorize (e.g., showering, doing dishes, taking a walk).
5. Find someone or a group of people to join you in memorizing for accountability and encouragement.

“I have stored up your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you.” Psalm 119:11

“Your words were found, and I ate them.
Your words became a delight to me
and the joy of my heart,
for I am called by Your name,
Yahweh God of Hosts.” Jeremiah 15:16

Reflections: If you could choose to memorize only one passage/chapter in the entire Bible, which one would it be?

*Based on a poll done by the Barna Group.

And I’m excited to begin another year recording blessings. Since beginning over 3 years ago, I’ve counted more than 3,500 gifts in Ann Voskamp’s Joy Dare! What a blessing! So here we go in 2015: #3597–3617, read my entire list by clicking here.