How and Why You Should Memorize Scripture - Daily Hope with Rick Warren - April 21, 2020
How and Why You Should Memorize Scripture
By Rick Warren
“Remember what Christ taught, and let his words enrich your lives and make you wise” (Colossians 3:16 TLB).
The Bible is a gift that offers you so much. But like a box full of treasure, it does you no good unless you have the keys to unlock it.
One of the keys to unlocking the Bible is Scripture memorization. Nothing will do more for your Christian life than developing the habit of memorizing Bible verses.
It’s a habit that will assist you in overcoming temptation. Psalm 119:11 says, “I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you” (NIV). Memorizing the Bible helps you to resist temptation.
John 15:7 says that having God’s Word in your heart also leads to answered prayers. It says, “If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you” (ESV).
Memorizing Scripture also helps you have victory over worry, keeps you encouraged, and develops your prayer life. Having God’s Word memorized makes it easier to counsel and share the Good News of Jesus with other people because you have Bible verses always at the ready.
I’ve heard all the excuses for not memorizing Scripture. People say, “I just can’t memorize.”
The truth is that you remember what’s important to you and the things that you use. So the questions are: Do you value God’s Word enough to commit some verses to memory? Do you read God’s Word often enough that you start to remember it?
Think of all the times during the day that you pick up your smartphone—maybe as you’re waiting in the carpool line, on your lunch break, or sitting on your couch in the evening. What if you spent those times memorizing Scripture instead? In your lifetime, you’d probably memorize several books of the Bible that way.
If you’re new to Scripture memory, start with just one verse a week. Write the verse on a piece of paper or in a note on your phone. Pull it out and look at it several times a day. And when you’re ready to move on to the next verse, keep reviewing the ones you’ve already memorized.
It’s important to get a partner— maybe a friend, coworker, spouse, or child. Say your verses to each other and encourage each other to keep up the habit.
As you memorize the Bible, you’ll find yourself changing for the better: “Remember what Christ taught, and let his words enrich your lives and make you wise” (Colossians 3:16 TLB).
PLAY today’s audio teaching from Pastor Rick
For more Daily Hope with Rick Warren, please visit pastorrick.com!
Be Encouraged Each Day to Live Out God’s Purposes
As thanks for your gift below to help share the gospel with more people around the world through Daily Hope, we’ll send you Pastor Rick’s new book, Daily Hope Devotional: 365 Days of Purpose, Peace, and Promise.
Each devotional starts out with a Bible verse, followed by teaching that explains God’s Word and shows you how to apply it daily so you can face any challenge and live the life you were created to live.
As a special bonus when you give, we’ll also send you What's Driving Your Life?: A 10-Day Turnaround for a Fresh Start. Featuring 10 hand-picked devotions from Pastor Rick’s new book, they’ll guide anyone feeling stressed, worried, or discouraged toward seeking God for a fresh start.
Request your copy below when you give—and take the first step towards a year of real purpose, lasting peace, and unfailing promises.
Thank you for your partnership!
*The USA IRS code permits you to deduct the amount of your financial gift to Daily Hope that exceeds the fair market value of materials you received from Daily Hope.
This devotional © 2018 by Rick Warren. All rights reserved. Used by permission.
You can listen to Rick Warren on OnePlace.com.
