We took an unofficial poll in our scripture memory group, Hide His Word. How would you fill in the blank?
“The hardest thing for me about memorizing scripture is _____.”
The #1 difficultly we had with memorizing scripture? Being consistent.
Beginning September 6, 2020, we’ll start a 10-week challenge to memorize Matthew 7:1-14. We’ll finish the week before Thanksgiving.
How can we be consistent from week to week to transfer these words from paper to our heart?
4 Ways to Be More Consistent in Memorizing Scripture
Here are 4 ways to be consistent in memorizing scripture.
1. TAKE BABY STEPS
Set small but specific goals. Keep them reasonable.
Our challenge is to learn 1-2 verses a week. That’s all. Set aside 5 minutes a day. Simply say the verses to yourself 3-5 times a day, looking at them when necessary, looking up when you can.
Some people prefer learning one phrase per day. Others use 1st letter prompts. Or practice the verses by typing them. (We’ll send you lots of resources and links to help you when you sign up to learn Matthew 7.)
Whatever your preferred method, keep it quick. You’ll be more apt to do it.
2. ELIMINATE OBSTACLES
Make it easy. Make it obvious.
If you have to dig out your Bible or chase down your 3×5 memory cards every time you want to memorize, you’re less likely to do it. Place copies of the text now in several places. Where are you most likely to see them each day? Perhaps on the bathroom mirror, on the refrigerator door, by the remote control.
If you’re a morning person, recite in the morning before tiredness becomes an obstacle. If time is a problem, listen to the text on audio during your daily commute or while you’re making your coffee.
Think ahead about excuses you’ll use. Then defeat the excuses before they defeat you.
3. SET REMINDERS
Often we just forget to memorize. How can you remind yourself?
First, create a schedule. We’ve created a schedule here for Matthew 7:1-14.
Then, try these suggestions. Maybe an accountability partner can help you remember. Make a weekly date to recite to each other. Or set a daily timer on your phone to spend 5 minutes with your verses. Create an item on your digital task list to recite the verses.
We’ll also be here to remind you. We’ll send you a weekly email with the current verses and first letters. We’ll post a Monday morning devotional here at the blog. We’ll ask you on Facebook each Monday about the verses you’re choosing to learn that week. And check in with you on Fridays about your progress.
4. FOCUS ON THE GOAL
Why do you want to memorize anyway? Memorizing is great exercise for your brain. But higher goals are (1) to grow closer to God, and (2) to love others better.
Spending time with Jesus in His words is a great way to connect with Him, not only in the minutes you’re actually memorizing, but deep in the night when you wake up or when you’re seeking wisdom in the middle of the day.
Study the context. Read the surrounding chapters of the Sermon on the Mount. Use a YouVersion reading plan to stay connected (we suggest this 10-day plan).
Talk to God in your prayers about these words. Let it be material for conversations with Him as well as for conversations with others about Him.
Is It Time to Try?
Don’t think you’ll memorize perfectly. No one can.
But an imperfect attempt to memorize is better than a perfect failure to try.
Only by the grace of God can any of us memorize scripture and allow the Spirit to use His truths for our transformation.
If scripture memorization is something you’ve wanted to improve on, this can be your time.
Then sign up here with your email address. It’s easy.
It’s a baby step but a step in a positive direction toward spiritual growth!
We’ll be here with you every step of the way.
What’s the hardest part about memorizing scripture to you? Share your thoughts (and any tips!) in the comments.
I read last week that, no matter your age, today is the best day you’ll ever have to begin memorizing scripture. (You know, age and degrading memory skills and the like.) I’ve gotten out of the habit so I felt that sense of conviction. And now, thanks to you, I have some ideas. Thanks for that.
Glad we were able to give you some ideas, Natalie. And I love what you shared about today being the best day to begin (or begin again)! Yes. I know there are lots of healthy spiritual disciplines and habits we can do, and sometimes there is a sesason for each one, but scripture memorization is one that’s proven beneficial to me for the long haul if I just stick with it.
I’m visiting today from the Inspire Me Monday link up. These are great tips. I especially appreciate #4 to focus on the goal. It is so helpful for me to remember the WHY behind what I’m trying or hoping to do in life. Thanks for sharing!
I so agree with you, Marielle. Remembering our why can make all the difference when we begin to waver with the what. Thanks for stopping by.
These are great suggestions, Lisa! I have always had trouble memorizing scripture and will have spurts when I am consistent for a few months and then I slip a few days and soon enough, I forget the verses I worked so hard to memorize because I assumed I would still remember them even if I was not as consistent. I am currently working on re-memorizing 8 verses that remind me who I am in Christ, since they have been helping me stay grounded in my identity in Him amidst stressful and sleep-deprived days of being a young mom
I love your strategy, Elena. Re-memorizing verses to seal your identity in Christ is an excellent idea for any of us. One advantage about having memorized once, is that the second time is usually much easier. :) I periodically re-memorize verses I wanted to keep but stopped reviewing, and found it much easier the second time than the first go-round.
God bless you in your years as a young mom! Such valuable work you’re doing as you train the youngest among us to see Jesus in you.
So grateful for these memory challenges!
And I’m so grateful you join us in these challenges, Michele! You’re a blessing to us.
Thank you for this reminder and these tips about memorizing Scripture. This is something I’ve been setting myself to be more focused in doing, but had kind of dropped the ball recently. Just the other day I was reminding myself again to get back to it! :)
I’m glad this reminder found you at the time you were headed in this direction, Amanda! God is faithful like that.
I love your tips and insights, Lisa! Memorizing scripture is such an important discipline. I especially love the tip about studying the context. I’ll be sharing, my friend!
Thanks, Beth! Memorizing scripture has been a lifeline for me, and even more so in the past few months of this crazy covid era. I’ve needed a place to rest my anxious mind, and God’s truths have proven to be the right landing spot.