As a kid raised in an old Baptist church (we were there every time the doors were open), I’m pretty sure I was born knowing John 3:16 by heart. I remember being shocked when dating my husband and he told me he didn’t have that verse memorized. (What a heathen he is.) Having said that, I can’t say I continued on the path of scripture memorization as I grew older. I never grasped the value it holds until I became an adult and realized the impact of having those verses inscribed on my heart to guide me.
The Bible relays to us that memorizing scripture is kind of a big deal.
These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. Write them on the doorframes of your houses and on your gates. Deuteronomy 6:4-9
I should not only be memorizing scripture myself, but also (and especially) be teaching my children to memorize scripture. If they don’t learn it while they’re young, they will miss out on the many blessings and comfort it provides. If it’s a lamp unto our feet and a light unto our path (Psalm 119:105), we certainly should not rob ourselves and our children of such a tool.
Do not conform to the patterns of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will. Romans 12:2
This verse is a triple whammy! Memorizing scripture will transform me, renew my mind, and I will be able to discern what God’s will is for my life! The closer we know His word, the better we know His Will. It will actually change who we are, what we think, how we act, what we say… The power in that is mind-blowing and life-changing.
Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. Ephesians 6:13-15
We are guaranteed to go through tough times, but guarding our hearts and minds through scripture memorization is like arming our bodies for battle. We will stand truer, firmer, and more confidently when our hearts and minds are filled with His truth and promises.
Real Life Application
I first started having my kids memorize verses a few years ago when they were getting scared at night. We memorized a few verses (see printable) on fear and protection, and to this day my boys will recite them at night when they’re scared. It brings them real peace and lasting reassurance. They’ll sometimes tell me they woke up in the middle of the night, said a verse, and went back to sleep. (Did you hear the part about them NOT getting up to wake me because they’re scared? Bonus points.)
My boys will also often reference a verse we’ve memorized when dealing with a relevant situation to that piece of scripture. I’m telling you – this is good stuff.
Tough situation at school or work? Hard times with a friend? Dealing with anxiety or fear? I have had them (and myself) memorize many different verses that will serve in many areas of life. Knowing these truths are written on their hearts and mine to carry us through troubled times brings a peace of its own.
Make it Work
I really wish I could say we memorize a new verse every week or every month, but I just can’t. I’m sure we should be doing that, but…life and stuff, you know. I believe it matters less how much or how often we’re doing it, but more so that we do it at all. Start with one. And that will be one more than you’ve memorized before.
I keep my eyes and heart open when I’m reading the Word, listening to sermons, etc, for verses that apply directly to my life or my children’s lives. I also use Google when I need to (“Bible verses about hard work”), and I find what I need in a millisecond! I jot them down and we start memorizing either at bedtime, in the car (tape it to the dash so you won’t forget), or at the breakfast or dinner table. As long as they’re in a place they will be seen, we can easily pick up the paper or card and recite it yet again, creating a familiar and well-worn path toward memorization of another small piece of God’s Word.
I post my memory verses on my bathroom mirror, kitchen sink window, and refrigerator so I often see them, say them to myself, and meditate on them.
Don’t underestimate your kids’ ability to memorize. Don’t choose short verses. I’m telling you – they’ll be better at it than you. Their brains aren’t as full or as tired as yours is. They will kick your butt at this. And I’m okay with that. 😉 Here’s a printable for some essential verses to get started with.
Make this a family affair. Not one of you needs this more than the other!
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