Scripture Memory

Bella Rose and Barron Olaf, our precious youngest grandchildren.

Exercise is so important, especially the older we get the more our bodies need consistent exercise to thwart dis-ease of many kinds. However one of the most helpful exercises we can perform for mind, body, emotions and spirit it memorizing Scripture. This week I’d like to challenge us to this exercise.

My wife and I are memorizing Psalm 37:3-5, 7-8 for the week. Trust, Delight, Commit, Rest. Will you join us? Here is what some important and knowledgeable people are saying.

Dr. Frank Minirth, world renown Christian psychiatrist, gives us some insight into transformation as he writes in Christian Counseling Today, "Simple behavioral Scriptural techniques are so powerful. I think they have the ability to change the brain's chemistry. What we see comes into the eyes, into the frontal lobe. It will rearrange the neurotransmitters. The neurotransmitters rearrange secondary messenger systems that store memory. So who we are to some degree is controlled by what we take in. Therefore, the more Scripture we take in, especially loving it and enjoying it, really changes the very essence of who we are."

Dr. Minirth goes on to say, “So the emphasis, I hope, in the future will be to get people to memorize more Scripture so it can change them. The more Christ-like we become, the more He can remove symptoms." Symptoms like: anxiety, fear, unhealthy anger, depression, poor self esteem, etc. that are often caused by wrong mindsets. Mindsets not corresponding to the mind of Christ. The mind is the ruling member of our whole person. What we do with our minds affects the whole body.

Dallas Willard, professor of Philosophy at the University of Southern California, wrote, “Bible memorization is absolutely fundamental to spiritual formation. If I had to choose between all the disciplines of the spiritual life, I would choose Bible memorization, because it is a fundamental way of filling our minds with what it needs. This book of the law shall not depart out of your mouth. That’s where you need it! How does it get in your mouth? Memorization.”

Chuck Swindoll wrote, “I know of no other single practice in the Christian life more rewarding, practically speaking, than memorizing Scripture... No other single exercise pays greater spiritual dividends! Your prayer life will be strengthened. Your witnessing will be sharper and much more effective. Your attitudes and outlook will begin to change. Your mind will become alert and observant. Your confidence and assurance will be enhanced. Your faith will be solidified.”

More tomorrow on the value of memorizing Scripture