Memorize Scripture (10 Ways to Grow Spiritually)

Over the past several episodes, we’ve talked about ways that will help you grow spiritually, deepen your intimacy with Jesus, and practically live the authentic Christian life.

One great way to meditate upon the Word “day and night” (Psalm 1) is to memorize Scripture. When you hide God’s Word in your heart it not only keeps your mind saturated within truth but it keeps your focus on Christ and it helps you live victorious over sin (see Psalm 119:9, 11).

In this episode, we discuss how memorizing the Bible is a tremendous way that will help you grow spiritually … and Nathan gives several suggestions on how to get started.

• Enter to win this month’s book giveaway!
• See other tools and resources to help you memorize the Bible
• Join a live webinar on how growing spiritually through the Word – Thursday, January 30, 2025 at 7:00pm MST

Listen to or download the episode

Feasting Upon God’s Word

Psalm 1 tells us that we are not to place ourselves under the authority and wisdom of the wicked (i.e., the world), rather, we are to yield and submit to the Law (Word) of our God.

How blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked, nor stand in the way of sinners, nor sit in the seat of scoffers! But his delight is in the law of Yahweh, and in His law he meditates day and night. And he will be like a tree firmly planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in its season and its leaf does not wither; and in whatever he does, he prospers. The wicked are not so, but they are like chaff which the wind drives away. – Psalm 1:1–4

The Psalmist emphasizes the importance of meditating upon God’s Word day and night.

The concept of biblical meditation is akin to a cow chewing cud. A cow eats grass, chews, swallows, regurgitates, and chews some more. This process (called “rumination”) of continually bringing the grass to the mouth is the idea of meditating biblically. Biblical meditation is not about emptying your mind but filling it with truth. It is to bring God’s Word to mind “day and night” and ponder it, delight in it, obey it, and keep it at the forefront of our focus.

When you meditate day and night upon His Word, you become, according to Psalm 1, like a tree planted by streams of water that doesn’t fear drought, stands firm amidst pressure, yielding fruit in season, and has a leaf that does not wither. In short, coming under the authority of God’s Word and keeping it continually in mind brings prosperity to one’s life (note: this prosperity likely will not be money, new cars, or mansions … rather it is the blessing of God’s presence, His wisdom, walking in triumph, freedom, and true life).

‌Walking in Christian Victory

Paul exhorts us in Romans 12:2 to “not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may approve what the will of God is, that which is good and pleasing and perfect.”

How can one continually “renew their mind”?

The Psalmist asks a similar question in Psalm 119:9. He asks, “How can a young man keep his way pure?” How can a Christian live in victory, triumph, and freedom? How can we live godly, righteously, and holy in the present age?

The answer is … “By keeping it according to Your word” (Psalm 119:9b).

If we desire to live as Christians, we must renew our minds, meditate upon God’s Word, and keep our lives according to His Word.

I don’t think it’s by accident that two verses later we are told, “Your word I have treasured in my heart, that I may not sin against You” (Psalm 119:11). How do we live according to His Word? We must implant that Word deep within our lives. The best way to do that is to memorize Scripture.

‌Memorize Scripture

With modern technology, we have little need to memorize anything … yet there is tremendous value for our spiritual lives when we memorize the Bible. It not only enables us to meditate upon it day and night, but it also causes the wisdom and truth of God to be written on our hearts (and not merely in our minds). It embeds it within our souls.

If you want to grow spiritually, you need to memorize Scripture.

Here a few quick reminders to get you started:

1. The Author lives inside your and will enable you to memorize
2. Start slow (memory is a muscle that needs exercise)
3. Understand the context (and memorize longer passages)
4. Repetition is good over time (review daily)

I also highly recommend the app BibleMemory (it’s what I’ve used the last year and a half to memorize Scripture and have found it the best app for longterm memorization, especially if you plan to memorize longer passages). You can get a discount off the PRO version if you use the discount code DEEPER (it also supports this ministry at no additional cost to you).

The best book on the topic is a new one I’ve read recently called Warriors of the Word by Aaron and Emily House. The book was incredibly edifying and helpful in showing the power of memorizing the Bible, as well as offering great suggestions and practical help to do so.

Want to learn more about Scripture memorization? Check out the following articles:

• 60 Reminders For Why You Should Memorize Scripture
• 6 Quick Tips to Help You Memorize Scripture
• The Value of Scripture Memorization (by NA Woychuk)
• An Overview to Memorizing Scripture
• 8 Simple Ideas to Help you Memorize Scripture
• How to Start Memorizing Scripture Topically

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Listen to the series: 10 ways to grow spiritually

• Worship
• Obedience
• Thanksgiving
• Prayer
• Living expectant of the Lord’s return
• Evangelism
• Bible Reading + Study
• Knowing God’s Faithfulness
• Memorize Scripture

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FOOTNOTES

Photo Credit: Noerpol

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Join the Conversation

Question: How has memorizing God’s Word changed and deepened your spiritual life?