This series {replacing “me” with “He“} would be incomplete without focusing on the importance of memorizing Scripture. Remember this is not a religious activity to make you a better Christian. It is for your benefit.

When I am left to myself and my thoughts I spiral downward. The lies that I dwell on consume me. I am hopeless, frustrated, defeated. I lash out at those around me. My proud/self-centered thoughts direct my actions.

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Keeping my “thoughts captive (2 Corinthians 10:5) on truth is the only way to reign in my out-of-control ideas. The only source for that Truth is His Word.

Priscilla Shirer said, “When the Holy Spirit supernaturally applies the Word of God to your life you can begin to gain control over your thought life…The very power of God through the living words of Scripture combats the strongholds that take up residence in my mind.”

Being a busy pregnant mom of three little ones does not allow me to carry a Bible around the house. In order to keep truth captive in my mind I have to make the effort to hide it in my heart. To memorize what is “true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable” (Phil 4:8)…so I can dwell on those things.

A few years ago before the holidays I knew I needed to memorize Scripture because I was going to be spending a lot of time with family. Although I love our family dearly, spending days together in small quarters can be challenging. I decided to memorize Philippians 4:4-7: 

“Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near.  Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.  And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

God gave me such a gift through this piece of Scripture. When you memorize it requires you to really focus on the words in that passage and not rush past them. Phrases had new meaning in the presence of family holiday challenges: “let your gentleness be evident to all”,  “Do not be anxious about anything”, “present your requests, with thanksgiving”, “peace of God…will guard your hearts”.

If you think, “I can’t memorize”…you are underestimating yourself. In our fast-paced society, it’s rare that we stop long enough to focus. I’m confident you can do it! Here’s an action plan:

  1. Pick a scripture (whether it’s Philippians 4:4-7, Romans 8**, or one that God has placed on your heart***)
  2. Write it out on a card or type it up and print it off.
  3. Place copies of the verse around your house (by the kitchen sink, bathroom mirror, computer desk) and in the car (on the steering wheel or dashboard).
  4. Put a copy on your kitchen table and read it as a family before each meal.
  5. Make up a song with your Scripture or see if Seeds Family Worship has a song with that Scripture in it!

In case you still don’t believe you can memorize, here is a video clip of my oldest son quoting a piece of Scripture he learned at school. I don’t feel like I’m bragging by showing you this because I had absolutely nothing to do with this accomplishment.
[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=em2y3DmUuN8]

**There are a group of over 100 women that are committing to memorize Romans 8 between now and March. If you would like to join us click here: Do Not Depart-Hide His Word. There is a link on that page to helpful resources (cards to print off, screen savers, and recordings).

***Here are some ideas for Scriptures that you may need at this time to combat lies:

  • Inadequacy: “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead” 1 Peter 1:3
  • Messy Past: “Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead” Philippians 3:13
  • Insignificance: “I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
       your works are wonderful, I know that full well.” Psalm 139:14  
  • Discontentment: “I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. 12 I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. 13 I can do all this through him who gives me strength.” Philippians 4:11-13 
  • Frustration with others: “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, 4 not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.” Philippians 2:3 

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