I have a hard time memorizing. Fortunately, I memorized tons of scripture when I was in the Awana program while I was growing up--it's amazing how much easier it was to memorize anything when I was a kid! I am presently working on memorizing scripture for our ladies Bible study at church which is a constant reminder to me as to how tough memorization is especially on my 47 year-old brain. Not that this has anything to do with the context of this particular blog, but I just think that it's funny that I can remember such great works of poetry that I memorized in 2nd grade such as:
I never saw a purple cow,
I never hope to see one,
But I can tell you anyhow,
I'd rather see one than be one- by Frank Gelett BurgessSilly poems won't really do me much good in life, but I sure am glad that God gives many beautiful verses in His Word that I can hang on to when I most need help. I love this portion of Nehemiah 8:10 for when I don't really feel happy but have to show my face in public anyhow--The joy of the Lord is your strength. That verse reminds me that no matter what else is happening in my life that no one and no circumstance can steal my joy because my joy is from the Lord!
Proverbs 3:5-6 has also been such a blessing to me-- Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. This verse reminds me that God has my back if I acknowledge that God has the right and authority to do with me as He will in this life. When I meditate on this verse, I am often compelled to search my heart to see if I have given God control of every area of my life. Just recently I have had to make some adjustments in my schedule because I was not giving God the time He deserved in my day.
Another favorite verse is Isaiah 53:6. The 53rd chapter of Isaiah is my favorite Bible chapter because of the way it foretells the coming of the Messiah in such wonderful detail. The words--All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned—every one—to his own way; and the LORD has laid on him the iniquity of us all. Look at the words of this verse used to describe me: Sheep--the dumbest of all animals--that's who I am. Not only do I stray from God constantly, but I cause others to stray also! YET, God sent his beloved, sinless Son to die for me. I have so much to be thankful for!
Well, I just wanted to share a few of my favorite verses with you. I would love to hear from you as to what verses mean something to you and why. Hope to hear from you!
Back in my college days I found myself in a bit of trouble for something I had done while NOT walking with God. I went to those old golden pews in the chapel and prayed like I had really never prayed before. God gave me Psalms 18:6 - "In my distress I called upon the LORD, and cried unto my God: he heard my voice out of his temple, and my cry came before him, even into his ears." It was that day when I realized God really could hear ME. I have relied on that Scripture throughout the years...it is also found in II Samuel 22...which I love that WHOLE chapter. Love your post today, especially about the Joy of the Lord is our Strength. I hope you are teaching that...it helped me this morning!
ReplyDeleteI love Psalm 90, because it reminds me of the importance of spending my days wisely. I love John 14 and 15, because it reminds me of the joy that comes from "abiding in Christ." I love the book of James, because it settles me emotionally and gives me the wisdom,knowledge and understanding as I walk through the trials of life. The verses I seem to quote the most these days are: I John 5:4-5; John 10:10; Matthew 6:33 and John 16:33. Although I have never sat down just for the purpose of "memorizing" the scriptures, I seem to have memorized dozens and dozens of Bible verses over the years as I have worn them out reciting them to myself and others over the years :). I love the Word of God. I love it so much.
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