This is the third of five posts describing spiritual practices that help to center our lives on Jesus while transforming us into his likeness.
I first started memorizing Bible verses in college. I took a verse from the Sunday sermon or the weekly Bible study to run through my mind as I biked to class or exercised. Three times a week I went to the dermatology clinic for skin treatments, which became opportunities to recite and meditate on Scripture. As I saw God use those words in my heart to encourage me during dark times, I felt motivated to learn more.
James’ letter in the New Testament stood out to me when I struggled with chronic health issues.
“Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, when you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything” (James 1:2-3, NIV).
Memorizing verses like these in James allowed me to meditate on God’s words from the heart. I found I could do it anywhere if I had a few moments to focus. God used those words to form resilience in me as I moved from recitation to thoughtful meditation: God, the inflammation that covers much of my skin is testing my faith and patience. Do these words really make sense, that trials are something joyful? How does perseverance lead to maturity? Deeper truth and experience with God emerged from wrestling with memorized Scripture in this way.
Dallas Willard writes on his blog (http://dwillard.org/resources/articles/foreword-scripture-by-heart) about the importance of this spiritual practice:
Through memorization, God’s words reside in our body, in our social environment, in the constant orientation of our will, and in the depths of our soul. They become a power, a substance, that sustains and directs us without our even thinking of them, and they emerge into conscious thought and action as needed.
Consider these ideas to dig into memorizing God’s Word:
- Choose a Bible verse or portion that stands out to you as you go through the week. Write it on a card, Post-it, or on your phone notes app.
- Repeat the verse as you go about your day: during exercise, preparing for the day, while driving, etc. Meditate on the words and listen to what God is saying to you through them.
- Commit to memorize verses with a friend or small group. Practice reciting them together and share your thoughts and reflections with one another.
Howard Chang serves as a Team Leader in InterVarsity’s Graduate and Faculty Ministries Pacific Area. He oversees ministries in the Central Valley, including the graduate student and faculty groups at UC Davis. Howard is an ordained minister who served in churches for over 20 years and holds a Doctor of Ministry degree from Fuller Theological Seminary.
NCF offers many spiritual growth resources: Bible studies, prayer, and podcasts.
The Navigators organization offers Bible memorization tips and verse recommendations.
