This is part 4 of a 5-part series. View the entire series here.
Memorization of the Torah (the first five books of the Bible), in part or whole, was a key component in the education of the ancient Jewish people. The memorize method of reading the Bible is meant to help us get God’s Word ingrained in our minds and heart through memorizing specific verses, passages, or even whole books of the Bible!
It may seem unnecessary to memorize Scripture when we have such immediate access to it all the time. Why commit it to memory when you can just look up a verse on your phone or in your Bible any time you want? But it’s not just about remembering the words, nor do we memorize God’s Word just so we can boast in our own skill.
We commit Scripture to memory so that it lives in us. We fill our minds with God’s promises, reminders of His goodness, and hope for our future with Him so that in times of trouble we can easily call those things to mind. When God’s Word lives in us, we stop running to other sources for comfort. We stop looking to the world to give us advice or solve all our problems. Instead, we lean on God’s truth, rely on His strength, and trust that His peace is better than what the world tries to offer.
So how exactly do we go about memorizing Scripture?
First, pick one short verse. Here are a few good ones to start with:
- John 3:16 – “For this is how God loved the world: He gave His one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him will not perish but have eternal life.”
- Psalm 96:2 – Sing to the LORD; praise His name. Each day proclaim the good news that He saves.
- Romans 5:8 – But God showed His great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners.
Or you can pick a verse that speaks to you or something you’re going through—this will help it stick in your mind more easily.
Read the verse several times. Then, write the whole verse down at least five times. If it’s a longer verse, work on memorizing a few-word phrases at a time until you have the whole thing down.
Once you’ve memorized the verse, continue reciting it to yourself throughout the coming days. But don’t just recite it absentmindedly—think about what the words mean and what they’re teaching you about God. Let them settle into your heart.
As you continue in the practice of Scripture memory, try working your way up to memorizing several verses in a row.
There’s no better remedy in moments of stress, anxiety, confusion, depression, joy, or thanksgiving than speaking the truth of God’s Word over yourself and your circumstances.
