For me, memorizing or remembering scripture is all about the process in which I learn more about God. For me learning about God comes from Studying His Word, Learning His Word and finally Remembering His Word.
Let’s focus on how we can better remember the Word we have learned. A little over two years ago, I came to the realization that if my walk with the Lord was going to continue to grow that I needed to focus more on remembering His Word. For me that meant a commitment to memorize/remember scriptures. I would like to share a little bit with you about remembering the Word. I hope this will challenge you. But, for those of you that aren’t sure if this is the direction for you – let me be honest and tell you that God dealt with me for a year before I actually started doing it. I have been actively focusing on memorizing/remembering scripture for two years, but God had been talking to me about this much longer than two years! During the last two years, I have discovered ways to memorize/remember the Word that are working for me and I am being successful. That’s what I want to share with you.
I break down memorizing/remembering scriptures into Four Steps: Choosing the scripture, Choosing the translation to learn it in; Choosing the method I will use to learn; and Understanding the scripture I am learning.
Step #1 – How do you choose a scripture?
First and foremost – the scripture you choose to memorize must have meaning to you, to be relevant to you. Memorizing a scripture that isn’t relevant to me is HARD. For me, I need to “want” to memorize this scripture. I suggest you ask yourself some questions. By answering these questions, you will know what scripture God is leading you to memorize.
What are you going through? Do you need a scripture to help you with a struggle? If you answer is yes, then select a scripture that is specific to your need. (I often use a Bible search tool like an app on my cell phone or www.biblegateway.com to find the specific scripture I need. I search for the scripture based on topic. For instance, I am seeking direction about decision making – I might look up scriptures for direction. That search would lead me to Job 34:32, “Teach me what I cannot see; if I have done wrong, I will not do so again.”)
Have you recently read a scripture that you want to remember? Do you have a favorite scripture that you have never memorized? Did Pastor preach a sermon that “stepped on your toes”? I often choose to memorize a scripture from that sermon. If it “stepped on my toes”, then it is obviously about a topic that God is wanting to speak to me. For me, the scripture that was in Pastor’s message is often also the scripture I need to help me with whatever I am going through.
Step #2 – How do you choose a translation?
Understanding what you are learning is key! Contrary to what many believe, the King James Version is not the only translation of the Bible. Does you even know what the word Yea means? (Psalm 23:4, “Yea, though I walk through the valley of death…”) I don’t! (FYI – according to Webster’s - yea–adverb 1. yes (used in affirmation or assent); 2. indeed: Yea, and he did come; 3. not only this but even: a good, yea, a noble man. )
Ask your friends what translation they like. Make sure YOU can understand all of the words in the passage that you are memorizing. Don’t be afraid of using more than one translation. I use New International Version most often. But sometimes I use other version – I use the translation that helps me have the best understanding of the passage. Still not sure about what translation to use? Visit you local Bible bookstore, pick out a few translations, find a comfortable spot in the store, then simply look at the translations, reading passages, looking for what you understand – that’s the translation you should use.
Step #3 – How do you choose a method for learning?
Focus on REMEMBERING – not memorizing. Starting to memorize/remember scripture should be like starting an exercise program. Someone out of shape does start by running 10 miles (they would fail miserably on their first attempt!). They start by walking around the block. Start memorizing short, easy to learn scriptures.
Understanding HOW you learn is also key. Are you a visual learner? Do you learn by hearing best? Do you learn by writing something over and over again? I am a visual learner – that is why I take a scripture and put a meaningful picture with it. By seeing the scripture in a visual manner, I am able to memorize it. If you learn by hearing, turn the scripture into a “song”. (Didn’t we all learn the ABC’s by that cute little song in kindergarten?). Or try writing it over and over.
Concentrate on getting the Word in your heart and soul. If memorizing is hard for you, try meditating on the scripture.
Step #4 – How do you learn what the scripture means?
The final part about learning scriptures is UNDERSTANDING what you are learning. It will do you no good to simply memorize words if you don’t understand what they mean. Take time to look up the meanings of words you aren’t sure about. Try reading the scriptures before and after the scripture you are memorizing. Reading it in context often clarifies what the scripture is saying. Try reading a commentary about the scripture. (Again, try the local Bible bookstore or the internet for commentaries.) And definitely ask God to show you the meaning of the scripture and how it applies to you.
Remember to focus on REMEMBERING – not memorizing. Starting to memorize/remember scripture should be like starting an exercise program. Start by learning short scriptures, then build up to longer scriptures. Don't get discouraged. Take as long as you need to learn the scripture - this is about YOU learning! You are not in a contest to see how many scriptures you can learn - you are on a journey to get to know God better!
For more about Remembering Scriptures; see also Practical Examples for Memorizing posted 7/31/11.
