God reminds us over and over in the Bible how crucial it is to know His Truth and the freedom it brings to our lives. In Psalm 119:11, we read these familiar words, “I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.” Powerful verses from Colossians 3:1-2 remind us, “Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.” Yet so often we may find ourselves struggling to read His words daily, or to take the time to memorize verses. Maybe we feel like it’s too time consuming, or it’s hard to remember the words. Life feels full, we have a lot on our minds already, we get busy, and maybe it doesn’t even seem that important in our day to day lives.
But the truth is, if we’re not: (1) coming to Him daily, (2) asking for His help, (3) seeking to hear His voice, (4) opening up and reading His word, (5) hiding those words in our hearts, (6) praying and thanking Him for the work that He’s doing in our lives, then we will never be able to fully “set our minds on things above.” We just can’t operate in our flesh, trying to live out His Word. It doesn’t work. The number one way to begin to see things from God’s perspective is to come before Him daily, or many times through each day, learning to walk with Him and recognize His power and presence in our lives.
God gives specific instructions in His Word; He gives us all we need to stand strong in this life and to keep our eyes on Him. But many times we just race through hectic days, ill-equipped, unprepared, or simply not aware of what we’re up against or who the real enemy even is. The forces of darkness don’t wait for us to be ready for their attack. If you’re a believer living like salt and light in this dark world, you won’t go for long without encountering obstacles and attacks the enemy will hurl straight your direction. This battle is real, it’s intense.
God loves us more than we could ever fully know. He longs to help us and is always there. His words of life remind us that He is our strong tower. He promises to draw near to those who are seeking after Him, and He’s faithful to see us through the struggles of this world.
Rewards and Blessings of Memorizing God’s Word:
- God promises in Isaiah 55:11 that His Word will not return empty, without accomplishing great things.
- He reminds us in 1 Peter 1:25 that His Word endures forever. His love letter to us will be what we can carry throughout our lives, through every stage and in every battle. It leaves a rich heritage and lasting legacy through our families in the lives of our children and grandchildren. Future generations may be greatly impacted for the Gospel, because of our obedience and faithfulness to God’s word today.
- Jesus Himself set the example for us in Matthew 4:1-11, by quoting Scripture in the face of temptation. God’s Truth will help us to stand strong in hard times and against the lies of the enemy. There is no more effective way to live but to follow in the example of Christ Himself. And if He took the time to memorize these words, how much more then should I hold fast to them.
- God reminds us in Hebrews 4:12 and Ephesians 6:17 that His Words are our greatest weapon, a sword, true and powerful, living and active for today.
Through years of serving in Children and Family Ministries, my husband and I have heard story after story of the importance of kids learning God’s truth from early on, and how the power of His words will carry them through the hardest battles they may face later in life.
One of the most powerful things we can do in our families is to teach our kids and grandkids God’s Word, to help them learn how to hide His truths in their hearts and minds, as well as to live that out ourselves.
It reminds me again to ensure that our kids know His words of truth; and that they see those words lived out in me every day. Not perfectly. But real. And fully dependent on Him.
One mom shared this story when her grown son found himself on a real battlefield in life. He was on the front lines in a dangerous, war-torn area of the world. He saw death surround him on a daily basis. He struggled in his own fears. But he shared these powerful words with his mom who was praying for him constantly, “Mom, it’s so crazy, every time I’m there on the front lines, and I’m battling my own fear, every single verse of the Bible I learned when I was a kid comes back to my mind. Verses I haven’t even thought about in so long, they just come back. And it’s the only place where I can find real peace.”
Real peace, lasting hope, is found only in Him.
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10 Verses to Memorize for the New Year (A Place to Start):
1. A reminder that we can trust Him.
"Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight." (Proverbs 3:5-6)
2. Leave your worries with God. Keep praying. He gives peace and guards our hearts and minds.
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:6-7)
3. His plans for us are good. He fills our lives with hope.
“For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.” (Jeremiah 29:11)
4. His Spirit within us produces good fruit. May He help us to live a life filled with His Spirit.
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Against such things there is no law.” (Galatians 5:22-23)
5. He is with us, so we can be strong and courageous. We never face the battles alone.
“Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid, do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” (Joshua 1:9)
6. Jesus gives us the greatest commandments to live by.
“Jesus replied, ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’” (Matthew 22:37-39)
7. No matter what we face in this world, He is greater.
“You dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the One who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world.” (1 John 4:4)
8. We never have to fear, God is with us always. He strengthens us, helps us, and holds us in His hands.
“Do not fear for I am with you, do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” (Isaiah 41:10)
9. We can give him every worry and burden, because He cares for us.
“Cast all your worries on him because he cares for you.” (1 Peter 5:7)
10. God’s love is great and has the power to set us free. He gives life and light to all who believe in His name.
“For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.” (John 3:16-17)
There are so many other verses of scripture to memorize, we can never get enough of His words of hope and life! Below are five more passages of the Bible that will help to strengthen and guide us for every season of this year. Be blessed as you read, memorize, and hide these powerful words in your heart.
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5 Powerful Passages of Scripture to Memorize this New Year:
The Lord is Our Shepherd - Psalm 23:1-6
The Armor of God – Ephesians 6:10-18
The Love Chapter – 1 Corinthians 13:1-13
The Lord’s Prayer – Matthew 6:9-13
The Christmas Story – Luke 2:1-14
His words are constantly changing our hearts, our lives, and shining light and peace in a dark world.
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Debbie McDaniel is a writer, pastor's wife, and mom to three amazing kids (and a lot of pets). Join her each morning on Fresh Day Ahead's Facebook page for daily encouragement in living strong, free, hope-filled lives. Find her also on Twitter and at her blog debbiemcdaniel.com.
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