Why do we need to memorize Bible verses? After all, thanks to smartphones and other wonders of technology, we have our Bibles at our fingertips all the time. If I need to know a verse I can Google it so fast it would make your head spin.
That's true, but this isn’t just about being able to look up a verse. Memorizing Scripture is like banking it in the vault of our heart. When you need it, it’s there.
And you sure are going to need it … because in the middle of Algebra class or volleyball practice when you start to feel insecure and need a boost from God’s Word, you probably aren’t going to just be able to look it up. Or when you are in the middle of a conversation with a friend who needs some encouragement it isn’t always convenient to say, “Hey, hold on while I find something in the Bible that will help.”
The goal here is to be like the Psalmist who wrote:
I have stored up your Word in my heart that I might not sin against You.–Psalm 119:11
When we memorize God’s Word, it is at the ready when we need it and those little verses will pop right into the front of our brains helping us check our attitude, guard our heart or help that friend.
Memorizing is usually hard and no fun at all. But it doesn’t have to be! That's why I'm giving you three things you can do that will help you hide God’s Word in your heart, without having to just stare at your Bible for hours on end hoping it sticks.
Hack #1- Scribble it!
Take a verse a week and write it in on your bathroom mirror (use lipstick or a dry erase marker). Let’s face it, you spend a lot of time in front of that mirror. After a week of hair styling, teeth brushing and (for some of us) makeup applying/removing, you will have seen the verse a ton. Read it once or twice every time you look in the mirror and I bet by the end of the week you have it memorized.
Hack #2- Post it!
Take those one or two verses that encourage you, challenge you or remind you of who you are and write them on post it notes. Stick them in your locker, on the refrigerator or on your bedroom walls. Every time you see it, read it and say it out loud. It’s that simple.
Hack #3- Lock it!
Remember that wonder of technology you always look at? Your smartphone, iPad, iPod, etc? Take that verse you want to memorize and make it the lock screen of your phone. You can Google the verse and find a ton of cool images, or make your own on a site like Canva. Whenever you check the time you’ll see God’s Word.
See, it’s not rocket science. Add a little creativity and memorizing God’s Word can be an easy and fun addition to your day.
Do you have any other hacks for remembering Bible verses? Share them in the comments!
PS: When you pick verses to memorize, you might want to choose something that connects with your life circumstances at the moment. Feeling low? Choose a verse about how God lifts you up. Feeling sad? Choose a verse that reminds you of God's love and comfort. When the verse is significant to your situation it will be that much easier to store away.