At one time, I was a little like Eve in my bible knowledge–I could paraphrase some things but didn’t really KNOW it. And Eve was deceived because she knew it well enough to be dangerous but not well enough to discern ‘truth’ from ‘near-truth’ (see Genesis 2:16-17 and contrast with 3:1-3!). So my desire was to really KNOW God and His word.
Raising three children has been my joy! When they were young, they went to a school where they memorized passages of scripture. Up to that point I had only memorized a few of the “quotable verses” that many people know. And while these were great, I knew when I heard those little ones hiding so much in their hearts, I wanted to do the same!
While parenting these delightful children, I also found myself becoming anxious. There are so many scary diseases, people and situations to be concerned for in their upbringing. Memorizing individual verses helped me combat this anxiety but sometimes I was lost at finding what verse to start when feeling nervous!
One day I heard someone recite a very long passage of Scripture. Hearing the Word spoken inspired me. I decided that I should try this because I realized how many great verses in Philippians I had already memorized, so why not try to tie them altogether in one long passage instead of learning all of those references? And if little kids can do it, so can I! So that is where I began… It motivated me to know that in a certain passage there were only a few days between the verses that I already knew; and that catapulted me forward to keep going to the next and the next!
I’ve gone on to memorize several psalms, the Sermon on the Mount, James, 1 Peter, 1, 2 & 3 John, Galatians, 2 Timothy, and I am just now finishing up Romans.
Knowing the Word by heart and therefore KNOWING God more intimately have been my motivation and joy for memorizing scripture!
Elizabeth
Thanks for your story, it it very encouraging to me to know that other people struggle with anxiety and find the strength in God and his word to overcome.
Paulette
Elizabeth, you are an inspiration to me. I, too, can identify with your anxiety, not just with children but in life. I so need God’s thoughts to replace my thoughts. I also love your comparison to Eve – yikes! This encourages me to press on for sure. Thank you for sharing.
What a joy it has been to watch God and His word transform your life over decades. You inspire all of us!
Thank you for you story, it is very encouraging
I love seeing the Joy in your smile. Your story was wonderful to read and I appreciate your sharing your journey and how the Lord has helped you to memorize so much. I am looking forward to the day when I have more than one chapter memorized and have whole books completed as well.
Thank you for your story. Philippians is my “favorite” New Testament book and I am studying it with a group of ladies using Warren Wiersbe’s commentary. We meet once a month through next May and I hope to surprise the group by reciting the entire book by heart at our last meeting. I really am having a hard time convincing myself I can do this and right now I am simply reading the entire book 3 times a day out loud. I am afraid to actually start holding myself accountable to recite even a few verses from memory because I am afraid that if I can’t I will allow the enemy to convince me I can’t do it after all. Any words of wisdom and/or advice?
To anyone wondering if they can learn a whole passage, I would say you can do it!! Even when I am working on a large passage, I still take it one verse at a time. I keep a copy of what I am learning in my purse, car, and next to my bed. I print them off of Bible Gateway in the version that I like. Focusing on one verse at a time helps me not feel overwhelmed at the sheer volume ahead of me. Step by step and word by word!!
Great advice Elizabeth. I couldn’t have said it better myself!
Thanks Elizabeth for sharing your story, enjoyed reading it! I’ve just started Romans and into 2nd chapter and I noticed you’ve memorized Romans, very inspirational! Like yourself, I really want deeper knowledge and deeper intimacy with our Most High God! Grace to you and peace from God our Father and The Lord Jesus Christ, Chris
Elizabeth, What an inspiration you are!! I have memorized several psalms or a chapter here and there with my mum when I visit her in England. She memorized chapters in school when she was a little girl and she is now 93 years old and still remembers them! I have never memorized a book, but my children have, so you have inspired me.
God bless you
Helen
Helen, hearing that your mom is 93 and still remembers scripture is such an encouragement to me. I so don’t want to lose anything that I have committed to memory. BTW – I’m Caroline Turner’s mom. She was at FBA with David. It is good to see you on the blog.
Thanks Elizabeth for your story. You have been such an encouragement to me. I often think of your teaching Bible study and having the verses you have memorized there in your mind and heart when you most need them. What a blessing!