by Linda Veath
Photo: Storyblocks
Therefore, prepare your minds for action; be self-controlled; set your hope fully on the grace to be given you when Jesus Christ is revealed. ~ 1 Peter 1:13 NIV
I read 1 Peter 1:13 the other day and sighed. It was one of my memory verses. One of the verses I am now trying to re-learn because I let life get in the way of memorizing.
This verse reminded me that preparing our minds for action requires knowing God’s Word. To know His Word includes memorizing verses that are special to us, that might be used in witnessing to and comforting others. That might be needed if a time comes into our lives when we don’t have access to a Bible or have the sight to read it.
Memorizing requires self-control and concentration. Especially for us older folks. There are many tips on the Internet about memorizing, such as — write your verses on index cards by hand. Have an accountability partner. Tape the verses on things around the house and in your car.
Whatever way a person chooses, the important thing is that they set their hope fully on Jesus Christ — and keep it there — as they memorize. And keep it there. He will help us remember His Word as we set our minds on it. As we keep our minds on it, we will “see” His grace so much clearer. We’ll “see” things in a verse that we hadn’t seen before even though we may have read that verse over and over again for years. And we’ll get a feel for every jot and tittle in a verse and why it is so important.
Memorizing also helps us meditate on Scripture. We praise God for His Word as we concentrate on it, repeat it, and find new insights through His revelation to us.
[ctt title=”We praise God for His Word as we concentrate on it, repeat it, and find new insights through His revelation to us.” tweet=”We praise God for His Word as we concentrate on it, repeat it, and find new insights through His revelation to us. https://kathyharrisbooks.com/ preparing-our-minds-for-memorization” coverup=”dqVLb”]
Another very important tip for memorizing Scripture is to keep repeating it. Every day. We forget a lot easier than we remember and learn. And this is where my problem had come in. I had allowed the repetition of Scripture to fall by the wayside and my brain wasn’t doing a good job remembering verses that I loved and needed.
So as I re-start my memorizing (and meditating) on God’s Word, I invite you to join with me. Who knows what God is preparing us for through the Scriptures we memorize..
Next on my list is Isaiah 26:3 (NIV). You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed upon You. Because he trusts in You.
What’s your verse?