When running a race, former procrastinators, it’s important to be outfitted to best advantage. To be without appropriate training, clothing, or shoes is a definite hindrance to running. It’s like carrying extra weight because the lack ofproper equipment hinders.
This “race” of life that we’re in is best run when we are equipped with God’s Word in our hearts. Not just a fondness for it or appreciation of it, but actual scripture stored up inside us through memorization.
I’m grateful that those who took me underwing as a new believer urged me to memorize scripture. Those verses still guide and comfort me. Regretfully, it was easy to put off memorizing scripture and I gave in to delay. But I’ve returned to scripture memory. I’m very impressed with how critical it is to have God’s Word inside me whatever comes.
We’ve been blessed to live where Bibles are plentiful. We often think memorizing isn’t necessary because Bibles are handy. May we always be so blessed! But nothing takes the place of God’s truth hidden in our hearts. Then it will be there no matter what.
Corrie ten Boom said it’s important to memorize scripture during good times. When bad times come, we may have no Bible or our situation may be such that we’re unable to use it.
Consider a few ways memorizing scripture equips us well.
- It teaches us truth.
- It shapes our character and behavior.
- It gives us comfort when grieving or discouraged.
- It encourages us with the example of early believers.
- It provides guidance for our path personally, in the family, workplace, society.
- It facilitates better understanding of other scripture.
- It helps us in witnessing.
- It will be with us ready for use if we have no Bible.
“All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.” 2 Timothy 3:16-17
What scripture do you recall from past years of memorizing?
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