Scripture Memorization

Last week was a bit rough and I’m not sure this one has been much better.

If you remember from my post last Friday we had this rabbit at our house that my daughter was pet sitting for someone, it ended up getting sick and I shared a post about patience and prayer with the hope that it was getting healthier. Friday night came and the poor thing declined rapidly and didn’t make it. So awkward having to call the family and tell them.

Then just when I’d been thinking Paige’s driving was also getting better (which is necessary as she turns 16 the end of September)…while in town one day she was inches away from smacking a post at Walmart while backing up, then pulled out in front of somebody when coming away from the bank, and two blocks later she stopped at a red light and then got ready to take off again (like it was a stop sign). All within a half hour. Yikes, this girl! Not sure I’m gonna be able to graduate her from the school bus to her own set of wheels!

Another part of my week consisted of me receiving a phone call with an unexpected job offer. I accepted right on the spot because I felt it was a God thing, then after two days decided it was probably not a good choice so I fired myself and felt horrible making the phone call to let this lady know I wasn’t taking the job after all. Humiliating.

On top of that I’ve been stressed over our house project (installing ceramic flooring)—it hasn’t been without it’s share of trouble. And I currently have my fridge, stove, and kitchen table all in my living room while we replace floor so the entire process feels unorganized, crazy, and really time consuming.

None of these things are over-the-top traumatic but with them stress heightens and vulnerability unveils.

As my heart has felt unsettled and my mind has drifted from peace lately I know how pertinent it is to stay connected to Jesus.

Two verses have helped steady my emotions:

Give all your worries and your cares to God for he cares about you. —1 Peter 5:7

The Lord will perfect that which concerns me. —Psalm 138:8

I love the simplicity of those verses yet the deep comfort and certain truth they provide.

God longs for us to go to Him with our troubles, fears, and worries. He meets us in our place of discontent offering us compassion and hope as a remedy.

When I began having those feelings of weakness and doubt through my current struggles I was immediately drawn to scripture that I’ve memorized over time. These pieces of scripture have taken the edge off my fragile mindset as the Holy Spirit lays comfort on my weary soul.

The importance of scripture memorization became clear to me when I first started getting real about my faith in my late twenties. There were so many obstacles in my way at the time and goodness was God’s word such a guide as I traveled a new-to-me path. Since that time I’ve continued to learn new scripture and memorize it.

What I love is that even though difficulties can seem overwhelming and impulsive, God’s word is solid and sure, and it offers direction over the twist and turns of life. There is literally a verse to cover any difficulty we face.

Often times the Holy Spirit will lead and remind me of a verse I have tucked in my heart and I’ll rest in those words of peace. If my mind feels absolutely blank I’ll simply do a quick Google search typing in something like, ‘Bible verses on worry’ (or whatever the topic/concern might be).

Over time, as I’ve memorized scripture I’ve recorded them on paper and I’ll periodically reread the verses and references to keep them fresh in my heart.

Here’s an example:

She’s a bit worn and in need of a reprint but still efficient.

Since the verses are aligned in one column, and the references in another, I can fold my paper so I can flip back and forth making sure I’m recalling each of them correctly.

So I might look at the reference side only and choose Romans 3:23 and then I’ll quote that verse and if I need to double check it I can flip back to the verse side to be sure I’m right.

There are many different memorization tools (flash card style, games, apps, etc.)—some work better for one person than another.

Hiding God’s word in our heart is a lifeline to Him. It’s incredibly useful and a sweet part of our relationship with Him as well.

When the darkness rises it’s such a blessing to choose God’s words of encouragement to rest in. Our situation may continue in gloom for a time but the trial fades as we walk opposite of it’s direction and intently in His—eventually we see the Light of His glory brighten.

I will continue to reflect on His word in the midst of my frustrations and even after—and whatever it might be that you’re experiencing I pray you’d be sparked to do the same.

Sweet blessings!

Author: alimw2013

About For His Purpose~ My name is Alicia and I'm a thirty-something year old who loves Jesus. Only through God’s amazing grace and mercy I have been redeemed from past regret and shame. Reading His word has allowed me to look past Satan’s forceful lies, to see myself for who Christ says I am in Him. Through writing I have learned why I made the choices I made in my younger years and I now have a better understanding of why I desire to love God like crazy these days. Despite my daily failures, God remains faithful always. I am reassured of His unconditional love for me by every ink-drop spilled out on paper, each committed prayer as I cry out to Him, and deep understanding reflected through reading His word as truth. Yes keeping a blog will make me vulnerable to others’ opinions- there will be some who don’t understand, some who may criticize or judge, but on the other hand if just one piece expressed through my writing grabs someone’s attention and directs them to God, then pouring out my heart in a blog for the world to read is worth it. I choose to glorify Him alone through words streaming across a glowing screen. And it wouldn’t be fair if I didn’t reveal the fact that I’m incredibly quirky; I’m my loving husband’s best friend, my vivacious kids’ craziest cheerleader and spiritual trainer (3 John 1:4). I love anything farmhouse and rustic style. I think cupping a warm coffee mug in the palm of my hands is more satisfying than the contents within. I share a common obsession with my husband for the mountains, but I would (without a doubt) settle for waves crashing against my legs at the Atlantic Ocean just as well, and I almost always have a Yorkie curled up on my lap while writing. *All photos are photographed by forhispurpose.blog and therefore may not be stored or photocopied in any manner.

37 thoughts on “Scripture Memorization”

  2. Little sister I always love your posts. I could visualize Paige driving. She will get it eventually 🙂
    Soon the remodel will be finished and your stress about it too.
    Wonderful how God’s word sustains us 🙂

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  3. I am sorry you have had a hard couple of weeks. I do understand though. The past few months for me have been stressful for a few reasons. But one beautiful thing about it is that it in times of stress we can grow so much closer to God when we cling to Him. I really love the sheet you have with the Bible verses. That is a great idea. I will have to create something similar. Thank you so much for sharing with us. I am praying for you and all the stress you have been dealing with. ❤️ (And by the way, one time I was supposed to move to another state for a job and called them the day I was supposed to start and said I wasn’t coming! So at least turning down the offer wasn’t as humiliating as that! 😬)

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    1. I laughed outloud about your job situation…I know it’s not funny but it lightens my mood so thanks for sharing.😉
      It is comforting to gain strength from God, I’m incredibly thankful for His sweet presence.❤️Thank you Bridget for your encouragement.

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  4. Yikes about the driving! My dad has a very distinct voice and he made a statement when I got my permit, “the car is a weapon, not a toy!” (heavy emphasis on weapon). Memorizing Scripture is the most loving thing we can do for ourselves and others. It calms us and gives us peace like nothing else. I empathize with the chaos of flooring/housing projects. Love your authenticity! Jesus loves you friend and so do I!

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    1. ‘A weapon, not a toy!!’ So true!!!

      I love the fact that scripture can speak to any situation and create a positive outlook.❤️
      I did get this message and read it I think on Friday but often times what happens is I’ll read it when I’m running errands or doing something and then I don’t want to respond in a hurry…but then I end up forgetting to respond.🤦‍♀️
      Thank you for your sweet comments, they are always a joy to read and such a blessing!!

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  5. “Faith doesn’t eliminate questions, but faith knows where to take them”. – Elisabeth Elliot
    Your faith and patient trust will see you through sister, and you have my prayers.
    +
    ^
    Keep Looking Up . . . His best is yet to come!

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    1. ❤️That’s beautiful, thank you for sharing with me.
      ‘His best is yet to come’ -I need to focus on that more when I get bent out of shape. Thank you for the reminder. 🙂

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  8. I love having God’s Word “hidden on my heart.” When I can’t sleep, when I’m walking or in a waiting room, I can “read” it in my mind, even when I don’t have it in my hand. We never know when that might be our situation, whether we choose it or not. We can BE the Bible for someone else. 😉

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    1. Yes exactly!! I always think of how blessed we are in our country that we’re free to read our Bibles and I pray it would always be this way but if not how important it would be to know God’s word; and especially (like you said) in those moments where we may not have our Bible with us.
      “We can be the Bible for someone else.”❤️

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  10. Love your printed guide. Very well done, and so useful. There is a book I have had before, not sure the name of it, that is like your guide on subject & verses for answers. If I can locate it I will let you know. Nicely done. God’s grip, even when flopping like a fish on a hot skillet. – Alan

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  11. Thank you for sharing and Amen! Heaven and earth may pass away but His word remains, also He said His word is exalted above His name. I am joining you in giving Him thanks for His word. I remember the moments when His word, being hidden in my heart seems to come alive just at the time when it is needed, and at a time when I may not be able to pull out the bible. We thank Him for the tools He has left us. Our great comforter and strength.

    Blessed. ________________________________

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  12. I love Psalm 138:8 and must admit it is NOT underlined in my NIV Bible, because that translation says, “The Lord will vindicate me.” That didn’t grab my attention the way your NKJV version does. I too have to keep reviewing the chapters/verses I’ve learned. They so easily slip away from memory!

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    1. It’s interesting the way different versions read, I love to cross reference..and actually I didn’t realize I had memorized Psalm 138:8 from NKJV until you pointed it out, I typically use NIV. There’s some newer versions that actually bother me (the message version, etc) the wording is a bit too off from the original wording for me.

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  13. Sorry you had a bad week, and pray this week gets better. I love these words “Your word I have hidden in my heart, so I will not sin against You Lord” I tend to not remember the exact locations but the words tend to echo in my heart when the Holy Spirit knows I need them. The list is brilliant idea and very true easy to carry around.
    Isaiah 41:13″For I the Lord your God, will hold your right hand, saying to you. Fear not, I will help you” is my favourite when I feel like the walls are closing in and it all stands still as we walk hand in hand to our destination. Pray the same for you. Also sorry to hear about your neighbours pet.
    Bless you and thank you for sharing. Praying that this week gets better, and Paige gets better at driving in Jesus name.
    xoxo

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    1. Thank you Hannah, that’s really sweet! Yes big prayers for Paige! We were just driving yesterday morning and she tried to go right past a stop sign until I pointed it out!!!😬

      I love that verse from Isaiah 41:13 that you shared, I’m surprised I’ve not paid more attention to that one..it’s comforting.❤️

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      1. 😂 God love her!! Maybe she will get the hang of it soon! This reminds me of a time when my aunt was having coroided artery problems affecting her thinking. Her grandson was in the car with her one day and she was driving. He hollered out, “Nannie, you just ran a red light!” She replied back, “You can turn left on red!” 😂

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  15. The first thing I ever memorized from the Bible was Psalm 23 when I was a child. It has comforted me ever since, whenever I’m in some kind of trouble. (Though I still find it jarring when someone recites anything other than the King James version.) Another verse I like, which I try to recite every morning: “This is the day that the Lord has made. Let us rejoice and be glad in it.” I try to recite that one even when things are stressful!

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    1. “This is the day that the Lord has made. Let us rejoice and be glad in it.” I’m singing that song after this verse now! Good encouragement!

      I struggle with King James Version because I don’t always understand it. But I do like to cross reference with it at times.

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  16. As I read your blog. I observed your mind dis-organize. because of some situations, you facing. I hope they will not offend you. anyway as my experience. I know we have different struggles, personalities, or characters. I need to have time to the King to pray and read the Bible. and give a pause of silence, when I finish praying. to hear what GOD’S leads me. we need precious time. be with Him. so that we can discern and have wisdom. what we’re having in advance pray first, everything that you were facing. it like preparing to be born a child. and you will not be recognized that all the answers is there. to GOD be the glory. and beautiful content

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