I’m a resolutions maker. Not always a resolutions keeper, but I find that even if I don’t meet my goals, I make far more progress when I aim for something rather than nothing.
Which is why in 2014, I set a goal and asked wives to join me in embracing happiness in their own lives. My sincere belief is that it’s hard to have a happy marriage when one of you is profoundly unhappy. And since no else can make you happy, you have to pursue happiness for yourself.
In 2015, I suggested it was time to stop simply talking about how we wives are beautiful, but rather learn what it means to feel beautiful. And I was thrilled to focus on that goal in the last few months of the year with amazing guest posts from other marriage bloggers.
Recently, I’ve been thinking about what is still lacking in my life — what would be a worthy goal for 2016. Actually, it didn’t take long to come up with what I want to do myself and encourage others to do in the New Year.
MEMORIZE MORE SCRIPTURE.
For some reason, I did far more of this in the past. I still recall memorizing John 3:16 and all of Psalm 23 in my childhood. And there are plenty of passages that someone in church will start reading and I can (fairly accurately) finish in my head.
I know the importance of being armed with the Word of God when facing challenges and meditating on Scripture to deepen my faith. But somehow, I’ve lost that drive to commit specific scriptures to memory. This year, I want to change that.
After all, memorizing scripture has several benefits:
Gives us discernment.
“For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.” Hebrews 4:12
“All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.” 2 Timothy 3:16-17
Protects against temptation.
“I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.” Psalm 119:11
“Great peace have those who love your law, and nothing can make them stumble.” Psalm 119:165
“The law of their God is in their hearts; their feet do not slip.” Psalm 37:31
“We must pay the most careful attention, therefore, to what we have heard, so that we do not drift away.” Hebrews 2:1
Equips us for success.
“Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful.” Joshua 1:8
“Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked or stand in the way that sinners take or sit in the company of mockers, but whose delight is in the law of the Lord, and who meditates on his law day and night. That person is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither—whatever they do prospers.” Psalm 1:1-3
“But whoever looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues in it—not forgetting what they have heard, but doing it—they will be blessed in what they do.” James 1:25
Gives us hope and joy.
“When your words came, I ate them; they were my joy and my heart’s delight, for I bear your name, Lord God Almighty.” Jeremiah 15:16
“Never take your word of truth from my mouth, for I have put my hope in your laws.” Psalm 119:43
There are also plenty of scriptures commanding us to know God’s Word. Jesus Himself quoted from Deuteronomy when He said:
“It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.’ ” Matthew 4:4
Knowing specific scriptures reaps real benefits in our lives. And in our marriages.
Now I’m also a realistic resolutions maker. So when I first considered memorizing one scripture a week, I decided to cut that back. Not that I don’t want 52 verses buried in my heart, but I want to have a positive experience with this goal. For instance, if you resolve to lose 50 pounds this year, you might get so frustrated by April, you toss the whole resolution out the window and grab the Ben & Jerry’s. But if you make a realistic goal of 10 pounds, you can probably do that. Likewise, I’m aiming for one scripture per month.
Here on my blog, I’ll be sharing one scripture for your life and your marriage each week. I suggest you choose one and make that your month’s verse.
Some of the verses will come from my devotional book, Intimacy Revealed: 52 Devotions to Enhance Sex in Marriage. This is the perfect time to pick up a copy and work through the devotions this year. You’ll get a deeper understanding of how these verses apply to your marriage and to sexual intimacy.
I’ll also have tips on how to memorize scripture and a few giveaways and downloadables to help you achieve this goal. It’s just 12 verses for the year — but that will be 12 verses you don’t have memorized now and will remember for many years to come.
I hope you’ll join me in 2016 to equip your life and marriage with the Word of God.
Memverse (.com) is a great tool for memorizing and reviewing verses.
I personally prefer memorizing larger chunks like whole chapters rather than single verses.
A lot of Christians benefit from starting small and getting some verses down. For those who can do more, great. It’s terrific that you’ve committed larger chunks to memory.
For myself, I find that the single verses are what come to mind in trying times. But I’d love to memorize bigger passages as well. Have a fabulous New Year!
There’s no substitute for knowing a few critical verses that help you remember important concepts, sure. I just find it’s actually easier to memorize chunks in context, especially in terms of remembering the references.
I’m in. I so need this. I too used to memorize. I also need a kick in the pants just to get into the word more consistently.
Yay! I love this! A while ago I heard an author say, “Bible before belly” and that has been great for me. It reminds me to feed on God’s word every day BEFORE I feed my physical belly. I’m not perfect, but it sure helps me remember.
I like this goal very much. I can certainly spend more time memorizing (and thinking on) the word of God.
Plus, I think this tangible goal will be much, much, much, much, much, much, much more easier than trying to feel beautiful. Much easier. Much. 🙂
Thanks for the great idea and Happy 2016!
I’ve been through the Navigators Bible memory system, in which you use verses printed on flash cards. But even better is to make your own on 3 X 5 file cards. You will learn most of the verse in the process of writing it down, and you can carry these cards in a pocket and practice throughout the day. “Learn it; forget it; learn it; forget it; learn it, and you’ve got it.” Use the cards after this to sharpen up.
Sounds old fashioned, and it doesn’t use a phone App–but it really works with any verse or group of verses in the Bible.
Eric
Great idea! I’ve felt more and more convicted to memorize scripture too. I like the one per month idea. I knew I wouldn’t keep up with 52 weekly verses..just being honest. Can’t wait to see which ones you choose!
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Wow, thank you so much for this post. I totally can relate and appreciate this as well. I will keep reading as well. Be blessed.
Thanks! Welcome. Glad to have you as a reader.
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