I have stored up your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you. Psalm 119:11
We need to memorize God’s words to have in our hearts always so anytime we need them we have them. Of course, everyone has their Bible on their phone these days, but let me play the Devil’s Advocate. Suppose there was a glitch. A big glitch. Suppose one day we find ourselves with no power, no WIFI, no data. It could happen. We are going to be a big bunch of crybabies if it does happen. Even if there is never a big glitch, technology is not always dependable. But God’s word is and He tells us in His Word that we should hide it away in our hearts so we have it when we need it, because we will need it.
Memorizing God’s Word Gives us Power Over our Sin Nature- Memorization is not just the repeating of words in order of recollection. It is planting truth in our minds from which we draw our wisdom for living. Jesus showed us in the wilderness that the Word will cause Satan to flee. God will use His Word in our lives to alter our decision making. Every sin in our life is the result of not appropriating the Word of God in that area. If you desire victory over a certain area in your life, I challenge you to do a scripture study on that area and then repeat the Word of God when you are tempted. Scripture reveals sin for what it is.
Memorizing God’s Word Helps us Submit to Godly Instruction –
When the Word reaches the heart, it creates a desire for learning. The more I memorize, the more I want to understand what I have learned. To prepare for service and witness. With my lips I have told of All the ordinances of Your mouth. v13 God gives us something to say when his Word is in our minds and hearts. People will listen to what God says much more than what I think. Preparation to teach is based in Bible knowledge that anyone can gain with PERSEVERANCE and FAMILIARITY. You don't realize what you know until you start to share.
To value and rejoice in God’s wisdom. I have rejoiced in the way of Your testimonies, As much as in all riches. v.14 Praise will result from memorizing because it will create joy as it is repeated in our mind or heart. Knowing the promises of God, we will be more prone to seek them in our lives.
Meditating on God's Word- I will meditate on Your precepts…v15a; To gain a respect for God's ways and regard Your ways… v15b
To meditate is to “digest, draw out, mull over" – When we meditate on scripture, it involves our heart and our head. We are thinking and feeling. Receiving truth from another is not the same as DISCOVERING truth for yourself. We gain a respect for the Word of God for we discover its ability to challenge and fulfill.
If we would think about what we do many of our actions will change. We will soon find that we "delight" in doing the right in life as our life develops a new character and purpose following God's plan. People don't forget what brings lasting joy and fulfillment. Remembering and meditating on the Word of God will bring every blessing that God has provided into reality in our lives.
In order to understand the Bible, you must know the author. It is amazing how much defeat, despair, sin and loss we suffer because of a poor relationship to the Word. You may feel that you honor the Word and that is good. But it is not enough to guide and protect your life. You can read it, listen to it, respect it, quote it and love it…but until you walk in its truth, you will never know its power and purpose.
Scripture to Claim:Blessed are you, O Lord; teach me your statutes! With my lips I declare all the rules of your mouth. In the way of your testimonies I delight as much as in all riches. Psalm 119:12-14
