Memorization Builds Intimacy with God

Memorization is one of the most practical and helpful ways to meditate on God’s Word. It involves repeating God’s Word over and over again in our minds, and sometimes with our mouths until it becomes hidden deep within us. It is the process of “storing up God’s Word in our hearts” (Psalm 119:11) in a way that helps us walk with God.

Some people may say, “But I’m not good at memorization.” People certainly have different capacities to memorize. But what if I told you that I would give you a thousand dollars for every verse you could memorize between now and this time tomorrow?

I’m guessing you could learn to memorize at least a few verses. John 11:35 says, “Jesus wept.” Just like that, you’d have a thousand bucks. Now think about Psalm 119:72: “The law of your mouth is better to me than thousands of gold and silver pieces.” Do you believe that? The real question is not, Can you memorize? but, What is worth more to you: money or God’s Word?

You might start with a simple goal. As you meditate on the Bible, look for one verse to memorize. Write out the verse. Then, say it out loud, phrase by phrase. Start with the first few words and repeat them several times. Add a few more words and then say all of them multiple times. Keep doing this until you can say the whole verse out loud without looking at it.

Once you have this foundation, don’t stop. About an hour later, try to say it again, and if you can’t, go back and review until you can. Then, try to say the verse again after another hour or two, and so on. Whenever you have an idle moment, say it out loud again. Keep doing this throughout your day, then let the verse be the last words you say out loud before bed.

When you wake up the next morning, try to say that verse again. All throughout the day, multiple times, say it again and again, up until bedtime. In the process, realize that you are starting to meditate on God’s Word day and night!

Pray

Heavenly Father, please help me to store your Word in my heart and mind so that I might walk with you in every way. Amen.