7. Because you will see more of God’s glory.
We can only know a few things about a person by what they make. We can really know them well by what they say. Mountains and microbes, galaxies and goats, they each say some wonderful things about God. But to really know God, to really see and be in awe of the things that are most glorious about him, we must listen carefully to what he says about himself, because God reveals himself primarily by his word (1 Samuel 3:21). Memorizing his word helps us listen carefully and perceive more glory.
8. Because it will fine-tune your hooey gauge.
The world lies to you all the time. The devil is the father of lies (John 8:44). The clearer you have his word in your mind, the more accurately you will discern demonic hooey. Having a lot of God’s word in your head will fine-tune your hooey gauge.
9. Because you’re going to suffer.
Suffering is coming your way (or is here), and it’s confusing and disorienting. Having memorized big chunks of Scripture is so helpful at such times. Not only will you have specific texts come to mind, but even when, due to pain or fear, you struggle recalling them, you will know right where to go. Memorizing books imprints those books in your mind. You will know which chapters and sections will speak to your suffering.
10. Because your brothers and sisters are going to suffer.
The same is true for bringing gospel comfort and counsel to your brother or sister who is suffering. Memorizing large portions not only serves you but also is a way of loving others by being able to provide them with faith-sustaining truth when it’s most needed.
How to Memorize Long Portions of Scripture
Review, Read, Recite, Repeat
You do it one or two verses at a time. John Piper and I, along with several others, use a very simple technique that Andrew Davis as an example.
[1] In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
[2] He was in the beginning with God.
[3] All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made.
Day 1:
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Read John 1:1 10 times (read it each time to imprint the words in your mind).
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Then close your Bible and recite it 10 times (I suggest reciting it aloud).
Day 2:
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Refresh John 1:1 and then recite it 10 times by memory.
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Read John 1:2 10 times.
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Close your Bible and recite it 10 times.
Day 3:
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Recite John 1:1 one time by memory.
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Recite John 1:2 10 times by memory.
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Read John 1:3 10 times.
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Close your Bible and recite it 10 times.
And on and on. Review, read, recite, repeat. If you repeat a verse by memory once a day for 100 days, it will be in your permanent long-term memory.
If you want to know how to sustain a habit of reviewing, Andrew Davis has a 30-page book on how to do this (only $0.99 on Kindle!).
You Can Do this!
You can do this! You really can! And you should. Memorizing big chunks of Scripture is not as hard as you think and will be one of the best investments of your life for the 10 reasons listed above and more. You will not regret it.
