Rediscovering Spiritual Disciplines: Memorizing Scripture

Memorizing Scripture reorients our thought patterns, encourages our heart in difficult seasons, calls us back to Christ when we face temptation and shapes our conversations with others

woman running on a street toward mountains, her back to the viewer

“You’re so disciplined.”

We’ve all probably said that phrase once or twice, maybe to friends who are very consistent and faithful in their workout routine or mindful about what they eat. The word “discipline” carries with it the idea of control and habit, a practice you return to again and again in order to train yourself to do something.

It’s the runner training for the marathon by putting in the miles in the months and weeks before.

It’s the writer sitting down in front of the blank page every day and putting words on it whether they’re published or not.

It’s the Christian devoting him- or herself to practices that help to develop the fruit of the Spirit in our lives, to shape us in the image of Christ and to reorient our minds, souls and hearts with God.

Over the next few months, we’ll be exploring a few spiritual disciplines and striving to put them into practice in our lives. Today, we’re kicking off that emphasis by rediscovering the power and importance of Scripture memorization.

open Bible on a table with a potted plant behind it

Why Should I Memorize Scripture?

It reorients the way you think.
It encourages you in difficult circumstances and seasons.
It helps you stand firm in the face of temptation.
It shapes your conversations with non-believers and fellow Christians.

Scripture Reorients the Way You Think

Think about the thought patterns you’re most likely to fall into, the things your inner critic tells you about yourself, your actions and your purpose. We all have thought patterns that we’re liable to fall victim to, from “You’ll never be good enough” to “No one really likes you.” When we memorize Scripture, it’s a way we can call our racing thoughts back to truth and fight the clever ploys of the enemy, who uses accusation and lies to keep us from following God wholeheartedly.

Scripture Encourages You in Difficult Seasons

In the midst of a difficult season or trying circumstances, have you ever had a passage of Scripture pop into you head? That’s not a coincidence. When we memorize Scripture, the Holy Spirit can use it to remind us of important truths, the reality of God’s presence and refocus our hearts on lasting hope when we feel like we’ve lost all hope. Memorizing Scripture is a powerful way to choose to trust that your hope is in God rather than your circumstances.

Scripture Helps You Stand Firm in Temptation

A lot of people say, “God will never give you more than you can handle,” but that’s actually NOT what the Bible says. In 1 Corinthians 10:13, we’re told, “No temptation has come upon you except what is common to humanity. But God is faithful; he will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation he will also provide the way out so that you may be able to bear it” (CSB). As Christians, temptation is going to come our way, but we have the choice to succumb to it or not—and the Scripture we’ve memorized can be helpful tools that help us remember what is true, what is important and what truly matters rather than the lies of the world and the devil.

Scripture Shapes Your Conversations with Believers and Unbelievers.

When God’s Word is written on your heart, it often finds its way into your conversations. That doesn’t mean that you’re constantly quoting Scripture at people, but when an opportunity arises in conversation to point someone to the truth of God’s Word, you know what to say. Whether you’re sharing the gospel or comforting or encouraging other Christians, memorizing Scripture can be a valuable tool to speak truth to lies and bring light into darkness.

Resources About Memorizing Scripture

Looking for resources about the value and importance of memorizing Scripture? Seeking to practice this spiritual discipline in your own life? A few tools to consider include:

Memorizing Scripture: The Basics, Blessings and Benefits of Meditating on God’s Word by Glenna Marshall
“Tips for Memorizing Scripture”
The Bible Memory Project (a subscription that helps you memorize four verses of Scripture a month)
Dwell Differently (another subscription service that helps you memorize Scripture using temporary tattoos)

What’s your favorite tool, tip or resource for memorizing Scripture? Tell us in the comments!