Psalm 119
The longest chapter in the Bible?
Memorize it?
Who me?
These were the first questions running through my head when I read Traci’s challenge. Then I thought, there is so much truth, encouragement–so many nuggets worth keeping close to my heart–in that passage.
So then the question became, why not me?
Hiding Scripture in our heart, to pull from in any moment, is so important. Not only will it bring peace to our own souls when trouble comes, but we can pull from what is hidden for any reason to help others when a Bible is not available. It is a practice that has helped me over the years, but honestly a practice I have neglected.
Not that I haven’t memorized anything, but as a child, I hid God’s Word in my heart fairly regularly. As a young adult even more so. Now, in the busyness of life, I find that I rely on those Words hidden in my heart so long ago.
I haven’t regularly add more.
It is a practice that we encourage children to do, but I wonder how many people still do it when they enter adulthood? Why is it that more frequently we see children memorizing Scripture and not so many adults? Why do we challenge children to memorize Scripture, but not do it ourselves?
Do others do it and I am unaware? Are others doing it, but not sharing that they are? Maybe as adults we think it’s prideful to share what we are memorizing with others?
Maybe we feel it’s childish?
Yet, God says to hide His Word in our hearts. There is nothing there that suggests it’s for children only. Is it possible that we have forgotten the importance or are too busy?
What do you think? Would you be up for the challenge? Maybe it’s not Psalm 119. Maybe the question for some is: are you up for the challenge of bringing Scripture memory back into your life? Has it been awhile? Try a few verses then instead. Either way, it is important to do.
I would love to hear from you. Hear what you are memorizing, if you have neglected this practice, taken it up again, or if you have any thoughts about it. Drop a comment in the box.
May you be blessed as you hide God’s Word in your hearts.
Update: On Thursdays, I will do my best to share updates on how things are going. If you are interested in joining a lovely group of ladies who are taking up the challenge click on the banner.
I memorized this psalm about 9 years ago or so. It was a great time doing it. I found that it was a blessing to do so and I have not gotten over that. I continue to gravitate back to it. There is something about the expensiveness of it and the repetitive yet changing quality of the different verses that is great to meditate on. There is devotion to the word, joy in the word, indignation and hatred of the violation and the violators of the word, repentence, appeal to God’s illimunation and prayers for deliverance. God Bless, R. Sire