“Keep my commands and you will live; guard my teachings as the apple of your eye. Bind them on your fingers; write them on the tablet of your heart.” Proverbs 7:2,3

The Disciple of Christ must make the Word of God his constant companion. We do this through reading, studying, committing to memory, meditating on, and applying God’s Word every day. Over the last six months, I’ve reinvigorated my MEMORIZING OF and MEDITATING ON the Word of God using the Bible Memory App. See my post on Cultivating the Habit of Scripture Memory for more about my journey.

Why is Memorizing Scripture an important Discipline for a Follower of Christ? Here are 4 Reasons:

1. IT WILL HELP ME DEAL WITH TEMPTATION. “I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you” Psalm 119:9-11. Jesus used memorized scripture to defeat the temptations of Satan himself. If he used it, how much more do you and I need scripture stored away as a weapon against temptation.

2. IT WILL HELP ME MAKE WISE DECISIONS. “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path” Psalm 119:105. The principles and promises of the Word of God give clear directions for decision-making and facing the crossroads in life.

3. IT WILL COMFORT ME WHEN I’M STRUGGLING. “When your words came, I ate them; they were my joy and my heart’s delight, for I bear your name, O LORD God Almighty.” Jeremiah 15:16. My journey began during one of life’s rough patches, and I longed to have the promises of God nearer to my heart. What do you have in your mind to challenge the minds, the world’s, and the devil’s wrong perceptions of events in life? The Word of God is a perfect remedy.

4. IT WILL HELP ME WITNESS TO UNBELIEVERS. “Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect” 1 Peter 3:15. God promises to use His word in the transformation of people’s lives (Hebrews 4:13; Isaiah 55:11). I struggle with persuasion and knowing what to say. Memorizing Scripture helps me in responding to questions and objections. The Word of God is the best witnessing tool we have as disciples of Christ.

How do I Memorize a Verse?

Here is the process I started with in my collegiate years:

1. Pick a verse that is meaningful to you.
2. Say the reference at the start and end.
3. Say it aloud.
4. Break the verse into natural phrases.
5. Write the verse on an index card.
6. Display in prominent places (mirror, computer, dashboard, etc.)
7. Always memorize the word perfect.
8. Put verse into music.
9. Get a partner for accountability.
10. Start one or two verses a week.

Now, technology helps us do all of this. I’ve found the Bible Memory App to provide a great process and system to commit verses to memory on an even more regular basis. The PRO version of the App is only $9.99. Get 20% or a couple bucks off with this link – PRO.

When do I memorize a verse?

• During your time alone with God. Hopefully, you’re spending daily time with God. If not, start that now. Then verses to memorize will present themselves as you read and study God’s Word. Get our booklet How to Get a Grip on the Bible for help in getting started with a Daily Time with God.

The Key to Memorizing anything for most people is repetition and review. So to memorize scripture, you need a plan and time to review. That’s where the Bible Memory App or other Apps can help. The app lays out a review schedule for each verse and most people have their phones with them at all times.

• When you are waiting. Just think of all the moments that you currently scroll on social media. What if you just turned half of that time into reviewing the eternal, life-changing Word of God? I review my verses anytime I’m waiting or sitting, during commercials, and then immediately when I wake up and before I go to bed, I’m sure to review two verses.

You have the time. You have the technology. You need wisdom and spiritual ammo. Get started today and begin hiding and treasuring the word of God for yourself.

See my post Cultivating the Habit of Scripture Memory on how to get started with the Bible Memory App.