5 Simple Tips to Memorize Scripture and Grow Spiritually

“I have hidden Your word in my heart that I might not sin against You.”

Psalm 119:11

Dear Friends,

Memorization may be a dying art — at least for me. I’ve never had the sharpest memory, but when I was younger, I regularly exercised my recall skills because of school and other responsibilities. Over the years, it’s become so easy to find information online that we rarely rely on our own minds anymore. If we forget something, we just Google it. But memorization remains incredibly important and helpful at any age — especially when we memorize Scripture.

My VBS Skit Challenge

These past two weeks, I’ve had to dig deep to redevelop my memorization muscles. Our church hosted its annual VBS (Vacation Bible School), and I was asked to be in the daily skits. I gladly agreed but quickly realized how much memorizing would be involved! Panic threatened as I wondered how my aging brain would handle it.

Even so, I attacked the challenge with gusto — reading and rereading my lines. I also enlisted the help of family and friends who graciously practiced with me. (Thank you, Dad, Abigail, David, Emily, and Deb!)

When Memory Fails, God Provides

In the end, I was amazed at how the words I’d rehearsed over and over came to mind just when I needed them. I made it through each day’s skit with only a few stumbles. It was a blessing to have such a wonderful director and cast by my side.

As I reflected on this challenge, I was reminded how important it is to hide God’s Word in our hearts. Sure, we can always Google a verse, but there’s nothing like having Scripture stored away in the “files” of our minds. Sometimes you don’t have time to search for the right Word from God for a specific moment — but if you’ve memorized it, the Holy Spirit can bring it to mind in the nick of time.

Finding Peace in the Middle of the Night

This past week, I found myself lying awake at night, rehearsing my lines. I couldn’t believe I could recite them perfectly — even half asleep! Similarly, I’ve had Bible verses come to me in the middle of the night. When I wake up afraid from a bad dream or lingering fear, God calms me with His Word hidden in my heart. Verses like “I will lie down and sleep in peace, for You alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety” (Psalm 4:8) soothe me and help me rest again.

God’s Word in Times of Temptation

I’ve also found that when I memorize Scripture they come to mind when I’m tempted to sin. More than once, God has reminded me that “human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires” (James 1:20) just when I’m about to lose my temper!

Practical Types to Memorize Scripture

So, since memorization is becoming a lost art, here are some simple ways to revive this powerful practice:

• Repetition: Read and reread the verses.
• Listen: Play recordings and hear the words repeatedly.
• Write It Down: Handwrite the verses in a journal or on cards.
• Mnemonics: Use patterns and associations to help you remember.
• Share It: Say the verses out loud and share them with others.

Memorization can be challenging, but it’s worth the effort. When we take the time to hide God’s Word in our hearts, He will bring it to mind exactly when we need it — and then all we have to do is obey!

I loved being part of our church’s VBS last week. All that memorization was worth it in more ways than one. Now I pray that every child who watched the skits and joined in the activities will believe the gospel message they heard from God’s Word.

Bring Back the Blessing of Bible Memory

May each one of us do our part to revive the “dying art” of memorization — especially by storing God’s Word deep in our hearts.

Love,

Mama

Let’s do this together! If you’ve ever wanted to memorize Scripture and hide God’s Word in your heart, I’d love to encourage you. Leave a comment below or email me anytime at [email protected] — and if you’d like a smile and some inspiration, watch our Grace Baptist VBS skits on YouTube! May they bless you and remind you that it’s never too late to bring back this life-changing habit.