Kids earn
trophies for all sorts of accomplishments: horseback riding, Little League, academics,
even baton-twirling. I have earned exactly one trophy in my life, and that one was
for memorizing Bible verses. As a child I participated in an AWANA program and
earned the Timothy award, based on 2 Timothy 2:15:
Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a
workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.
Approved Workmen Are Not Ashamed – AWANA, get it?
I never was
quite sure how to pronounce the word shew.
We talked, in last week's women's Sunday School class, about the value of the practice of memorization. As a former Bible verse memory nerd, I started thinking about the ways this practice shaped my early understanding of Scripture. One of the things I thought about was
this: I wonder how much of my understanding of certain Scripture passages was formed
when I memorized them as a child. Don’t get me wrong, I am grateful to have
been taught God’s word from a young age. I’m thankful that I still remember
verses I learned as a child, or at least snippets of verses. Most of them, I
still remember in the King James.
Consider
this verse, about the value of memorizing Scripture:
Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I
might not sin against thee. Psalm 119:11, KJV
For as long
as I can remember, I’ve accepted as fact the idea that memorizing Bible verses
would keep me from sinning.
I’m
wondering how my childhood brain might have imagined that would work.
Maybe I
assumed that if I memorized Scripture it would act like an immunization, inoculating
me against sin.
Or perhaps I
thought Bible memorization would create in my head a database of right and
wrong. If, for example, I found myself tempted
to knock over a liquor store, I could simply consult my memory to see whether
or not armed robbery was on the naughty list. If I found it was, then obviously
I would decide against doing any such a thing.
Or maybe I
thought the power of Scripture memory would act something like Captain
America’s shield. When temptations came my way, the verses I had stored in my
heart would deflect them away.
I’ve been
thinking lately about the particular sins that have a tendency to trip me up,
wondering how hiding God’s word might actually keep me from falling face-first
into them. Knocking over liquor stores doesn’t really hold as much appeal for
me as one might suspect. My pet sins tend more along the lines of worry, fear, unbelief,
and doubt that God really does love me.
I’m tempted
to believe that God is not good, or that my situation exceeds His ability, or
that He won’t do what He promised. Most often, the temptation toward those
kinds of thoughts comes to me in the dark of night when I don’t have a Scofield
Reference Bible at the ready. Or a Geneva Study Bible. Or any other version
that might help me beat back the lies and temptations which assault me in the middle
of the night.
The only way
I know how to do battle against that kind of temptation is the same way Jesus
did, by using every word that proceeds from the mouth of God. Assuming I have
those words handy when I need them. Assuming I’ve allowed the word of Christ to
dwell in me richly.
It’s been
many years since I’ve given serious thought to the practice of memorization.
And, I suspect I’ll find it much more difficult than I did when I was a child.
But I’m thinking it may be time for me to pick it back up again.
Even if
there are no trophies at stake.
Considering
the practice of memorization? Here are several useful tools:
Linking with Michelle @ Graceful:
And with Jen and the sisterhood @ Finding Heaven:
46 comments:
"Using every word that proceeds from the mouth of God."
Amen. And amen.
When I stop and really reflect on the gift of Scripture, it undoes me. Because you know, He didn't have to provide us with instructions.
This is really deep (although, since it's you, also funny). As kids, we think of sins as things like robbing a liquor store, killing--biggies. But the things that trip up most of us as adults are just what you mentioned: "worry, fear, unbelief, and doubt." The good news is that there are plenty of verses for those things (not as many on liquor stores).
Megan, you said a mouthful! And then we hear that in His eyes, sin is sin is sin....
That concept makes my brain bleed, I will admit.
We share pet sins - mmm, not so sure if that is good or not. I too returned to memorization last year and didn't do as good as I thought. so started once again this year and the ones I worked on last year came much easier this year. so there is hope our older brains still can retain these Words. I love the peace they bring as I repeat them when anxious or fearful. They are like a warm comforter wrapped around my shivering shoulders and heart. Good post, Nancy!
When I was a child, our mother would read the Bible to us each morning before we had our breakfast. Then she would have us memorize a scripture. I remember Romans 8: verses 1 & 2 and at the time they were just big words. Later when I understood their meaning, those words have kept me on my way knowing that ALL my sins are under the blood and as I walk in the Spirit, there is NO condemnation. Wonderful assurance that is!
It's been about four years since I've done intentional scripture memory and it's time to try again. Problem with the memory work I did back then? It's gone now. Some of the stuff from childhood competitions, however? Yeah, a lot of that shows up....in pieces...without references. But still, I'm glad it's there - however much of it might show up. Good words, Nancy. And good progress to you!!
I have found myself memorizing scripture thanks to a Bible program my kids attend. They teach them verses in song and I have been able to, for the first time in my life, memorize scripture word for word, including the reference. I used to be able to give the gist of a verse I wanted to quote and a general idea of its location. You know: "something Paul said, in Ephesians maybe?, about capturing your thoughts and being their master or something like that. Know what I mean?" But now I can actually give you a verse and a reference (as long as I remember to say it and not to sing it. Isabel still quotes, speaking, like this: I will trust in your word, in your word, in your word." :) )
What we tell our new believers is that the Holy Spirit will bring to mind scripture in times of need but there is no way short of a miracle that you will remember scripture in times of need if you have never even laid your eyes on the passage. It is a lost habit that is well-worth the time and effort.
You know, I was just talking to my Sunday School class about the importance of memorizing Scripture. You have inspired me to review that regularly... And try to be really really clear... :-P
Nancy! You're back! (I don't mean from Jubilee. I mean here, with the swashbuckling pen! Yay!)
I remember the childhood memorization. (I was not an Awana Cubby, thus I was not happy all day long. And I'm sure you will believe me, that I did not jump and shout for Jesus.) But a well-learned verse usually did carry a portion of brown and silver wrapped chocolate as its reward. And that's was sufficient for me.
I still remember many of those verses, but have come to understand them much differently than I did. I get pretty conflicted anymore about the rewards, but I am so grateful for the words that still come to me when I most need them. I think I wouldn't trade it.
(And, what Megan said. Always, what Megan said.)
I have a hard time memorizing whole chunks. So, I try to nail down the key words that I can elicit from my brain. Then I use my ever handy Biblegateway.com site and go read the entire verse. Would this be considered cheating??
Great perspective on Bible memory. (and fun!) Funny maybe, but I'm memorizing way more Bible verses as I'm getting older, and ah, the rewards are sweet. Not just equipping for the battles, but soothing to the soul. (I think it's more work now, though. Maybe it'll help keep the old brain functioning better?)
I love this, Nancy! It's very encouraging to see that others of us have lost the memorization habit but are willing to pick it up again. Count me in!
Everything we need for life and godliness. Everything. Mine for the taking, if only I'd remember to do so.
Just one more example of His kindness being so much more than i deserve.
I failed miserably when I tried to memorize Colossians last year. But. Nobody says I have to start over at the beginning of a new year. And, I keep tripping over Colossians 3, so I think there's something there God intends for me to hear. Maybe I'll start there.
No condemnation now I fear! Amen! Thanks Hazel, for sharing a beautiful memory.
The pieces are powerful, too, aren't they? Living and active. I think of pastors in remote corners of the globe who have access to very little of God's word in their language and how God's Spirit is able to work through what they do have to draw men and women to Him. We are blessed beyond measure to have it all.
Song is such a powerful medium for memorization. I still remember songs my children listened to when they were memorizing a children's catechism. I've found myself standing in grocery lines singing songs about sacraments! My pastor once said, "The Word and the Spirit are inseparable friends." They work together to keep us in communion with Christ.
You know what would be a really cool medium to help with memorization? Art. That's what I think. Now, if you could just introduce your students to a seriously happening Jesus-loving artist...
Merciful heavens, girl. I hardly know what to respond to here first. I do like the reference to swashbuckling. Nice to know that my words have a kind of pirate-y flavor to them. :)
I'm perfectly okay with chocolate as a reward for memorization. God uses means to draw us to Himself, and chocolate is one of his awfully good gifts.
And yes, always what Megan said.
Keep singing and shouting the victory, Lyla. In your own Midwestern idiom, of course.
Ummm....don't tell anyone I told you this, Jen, but every blogger I know uses Biblegateway. Shhh....
There are definitely seasons when memorization is an easier practice than other. The season when one is raising small children definitely leads to a condition I call "mommy brain." I'm in a season in my life when I have large chunks of quiet, so that's an advantage.
Perhaps having a single anchor verse to hold onto would be a helpful practice in this season. Every single verse is living and active. Each and every one.
I was just thinking the same thing in my comment to Jen above. I definitely have more quiet time now to mull God's word, but the brain cells don't seem to absorb the way they did when I was younger. I do think the practice of memorization may be a gift to those of us who want to (need to?) boost brain function in this season of life.
Good for you. I hope you'll write about your experience and let us know how it's going!
Nancy, I have heard fond stories from my husband and mother in law of his scripture memorization as a young child. He is now a pastor in full-time ministry. But your post convicts me actually because my children have not had this experience in the churches where they have grown up and I have neglected to instill the value of memorization into their young lives. Thank you.
this is so. good. as are you.
Great reminder, Nancy. I've been working on memorizing bible verses for a little while now, just praying I would retain it more. :) I do retain the thought, but the words, ugh...have to keep on.
Thank you for this because I've just decided to do this, memorizing the book of James. Wasn't interested...or too lazy until recently, but God has been putting it in my heart to exercise my mind and heart in this way.
I started a Scripture Memory Community on Facebook in January. You're are so welcome to join a small group of us who are hiding God's Word in our hearts each month, with a lot of encouragement. https://www.facebook.com/groups/291687450883166/
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I definitely think memorizing Scripture is what helps keep us from sinning. It also takes a strong commitment. I'm dealing now with some kids who think it is ok to lie if it doesn't hurt anyone. They know the scripture but lie anyway. Maybe hiding God's word in our hearts goes further than just hiding it in our minds?
Great post. I think memorizing scripture is vital for knowing the TRUTH and recognizing what is counterfeit. There is coming a day (and I pray it comes soon) when it will be vital to know what is truth and what it not. The deceiver is growing bold.
i remember how EASY it was to memorize, not so very long ago (okay, VERY long ago.) i mean, i could just practically read a passage that had meaning for me, and i had it. now i work and work and FINALLY get it, only to find that i've lost words, here and there, a few months later. i love the psalms for the things you mentioned, both for encouragement and also companionship. there's nothing like hearing david say the same things you've been thinking/doubting...
(oh, and as for "good night moon," there are always grandchildren to hope for, right?)
p.s. psalm 143 is a great one to memorize, and pray, both for oneself and others. ...it encompasses just about every care anyone could think of.
You crack me up. Knocking over a liquor store, indeed. :) I never did the memorization thing as a kid. The Jehovah's Witnesses weren't big on that. I don't know why. Last year when I memorized Colossians with Ann, it really changed me. It gave my mind something good to worry over, instead of all things I normally do. :)
I'm missing you, Nancy! We need more meetups, don't we?
Yes ma'am, we do!
Of course, I just used Bible Gateway to look up Psalm 143. You're right. So much there to call to mind in the wee small hours.
And, yes, I do hope to revisit Good Night Moon one of these days :)
Greater is He that is in you than he that is in the world! Courage!
Sometimes I think kids lie out of fear of what will happen if they tell the truth. But perfect love casts out fear, doesn't it? Just another reason to encourage Scripture memorization--to know God's perfect love more deeply.
What a great idea! I'm not sure I'm ready to go public with my meager efforts yet, but what a way to use all this technology to encourage one another!
May God richly reward your efforts!
I hear you. It seemed so effortless when I was younger!
Love you.
I'm not sure I always loved having to memorize verses as a child, but looking back like this has helped me see what a gift it was that I was given that opportunity.
I memorized tons of Scripture as a kid, too. I love it when it pops into my head ... especially some verse I don't remember memorizing. Mine is King James, too. ("... and she wrapped her baby in swaddling clothes.")
I also, have written out some verses recently to memorize. Now I just need to start working on them.
Fondly,
Glenda
ps. I have never won a trophy.
I will always be able to hear the Christmas story only in the King James . . . "and they were sore afraid!"
Ah, I'm so glad you didn't hang out with me when I was younger--perhaps you would have knocked over a liquor store. Or maybe I would have come to the Lord sooner, knowing you. But anyway, I've always had trouble memorizing anything, but I know when I read God's Word, it washes me. Amazing grace. A Violet Bick redeemed :)
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