Internalize Scripture
Wisdom Hunters Devotional 9/30/2016
“I have hidden Your word in my heart that I might not sin against You.” (Psalm 119:11)
Scripture memorization is a spiritual growth plan against sin, Satan, and self. It is also God’s primary method of conforming us into the image of His Son Jesus Christ. We all have the privilege to renew our minds with the truth of Scripture and to cleanse our hearts with the purifying Word of God. Perhaps we commit to memory a verse a week related to what we are experiencing in life. Over the course of a year, we will hide fifty-two nuggets of spiritual nourishment within our souls.
The Lord reveals Himself through His word. We increasingly desire to know God, love God, and obey God, as His word makes its way into the crevices of our character. We are conformed by the character of Christ as we mature in our understanding of the Word made flesh. Yes, we grow in our love for the Word as we grow in our love for Jesus, since He was the Word revealed on earth. God’s secret weapon of Scripture memorization grows us into the likeness of Christ.
We are wise to see Scripture memorization as a blessing and not a burden. Be creative. We can listen to God’s word as we commute to work, exercise, or do chores around the house. And listen, we follow Jesus’ example when we seemingly say to Satan, “It is written.” But we can’t do that if we don’t know what is written. God’s word written on our hearts through memorization and meditation equips us to stand strong in Him.
“How can a young man stay on the path of purity? By living according to Your word.” (Psalm 119:9)