Last night, I was doing some reading and study and I came across this really cool article written by John Piper.
I can think back to various times in my life when I made scripture memorization a priority. My life and my passion for God were radically impacted from engaging in this spiritual discipline. It is amazing how easily we can get distracted from habits like these that have such profound potential to transform our lives and hearts to be more in sync with God.
To summarize Piper's article, he lists the following reasons for memorization, but I really suggest that you go ahead and read the whole thing. I hope this article stirs your heart for God the way it has mine.
1) Conformity to Christ
2) Daily Triumph over Sin
3) Daily Triumph over Satan
4) Comfort and Counsel for People You Love
5) Communication of the Gospel to Unbelievers
6) Communion with God in the Enjoyment of Person and Ways
He also tells us that there are other reasons for memorizing scripture, and he suggests that we find them through actual practice.
Do you make scripture memorization a regular practice? If you have, how have you benefitted from it? If you haven't, maybe today would be a good day to start.
If you are looking for additional reasons, maybe take some time to reflect on Psalm 119. Here is just one verse, "How can a young man keep his way pure? By guarding it according to your word."
I hope you can allow the sacred text to transform your heart today and every day!
I can think back to various times in my life when I made scripture memorization a priority. My life and my passion for God were radically impacted from engaging in this spiritual discipline. It is amazing how easily we can get distracted from habits like these that have such profound potential to transform our lives and hearts to be more in sync with God.
To summarize Piper's article, he lists the following reasons for memorization, but I really suggest that you go ahead and read the whole thing. I hope this article stirs your heart for God the way it has mine.
1) Conformity to Christ
2) Daily Triumph over Sin
3) Daily Triumph over Satan
4) Comfort and Counsel for People You Love
5) Communication of the Gospel to Unbelievers
6) Communion with God in the Enjoyment of Person and Ways
He also tells us that there are other reasons for memorizing scripture, and he suggests that we find them through actual practice.
Do you make scripture memorization a regular practice? If you have, how have you benefitted from it? If you haven't, maybe today would be a good day to start.
If you are looking for additional reasons, maybe take some time to reflect on Psalm 119. Here is just one verse, "How can a young man keep his way pure? By guarding it according to your word."
I hope you can allow the sacred text to transform your heart today and every day!
2 comments:
Hey Billy - This is so interesting because Daryl and I were just talking about this the other night. The past few weeks me commitment to memorize scripture has entirely waned and I can sense the difference in major ways.
Memorizing God's Word is not something I want to ever do as a practice to make me feel more spiritual although that is a temptation.
I memorize God's Word because it changes my thoughts to match up with His thoughts. When I memorize His Word I can fight off lies with it and keep myself from rationalizing sin because I recognize it more quickly.
I remember the hope that I have, how much my Father loves me, and who I really am.
I remember my role and I remember my God.
Life doesn't get much better than that.
This week I am memorizing I am beginning to memorize Romans 5:1-5.
Thanks for the reminder.
I'm the pits at memorizing. But when I was little and going to Sunday school, we had a great teacher who made us memorize Bible verses. I still know them today! It's a practice that is necessary in our lives.
Pam
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