Early in my faith walk I thought memorizing Scripture was all about showing people how close we are to God—a Spiritual Show Off. WRONG!

I have since learned that there are myriad reasons why God wants us to memorize his Word, but showing off is not one of them. Here are five of the most important for me:

CHRISTLIKENESS: Scripture constantly reminds us of the standards God sets for us to live out.

HOLY SPIRIT: The more Scripture we memorize, the easier it is to hear God speak to us.

ENCOURAGEMENT: Scripture strengthens us when we are under stress and soothes our sadness.

TEMPTATION: Jesus encountered temptation during his time here on Earth and we will, too.

WITNESSING: Be ready to share God’s Word at any moment and in any circumstance of life.

I ask God to remind me every day that his Word must be in my heart and circulating throughout my soul in order to transform my thinking…my actions…my life.

HOW ABOUT YOU?

Start with verses you “almost know,” but make sure each one speaks to you. Read the verse aloud over and over. Include the location/reference before and after reading the Scripture. Write the verse on a card, keep it with you at all times, and review…review…review.