My scripture memory journey began out of desperation. About ten years ago, I was a successful, young professional and newlywed. Yet, despite all of the good in my life, my mind was full of fear, anxiety, and negativity. At her Christian Women’s Club meeting, my mom heard Janet Pope talk about memorizing entire passages. She bought Janet’s book, and we both dove into memorizing passages.
Now, I’m a stay-at-home mom to three preschool-aged children. In this season of life, scripture memory continues to be a reservoir that comforts, encourages, and teaches me.
When bone-weary and thinking I couldn’t physically go on, God reminded me of His words that I memorized in Isaiah 40:27-31. When worried about my children’s future, the Lord reminded me of verse 5 of Psalm 100 that I memorized. One day while reviewing Colossians 1, I felt prompted to pray for friends and family who call themselves Christians yet don’t live as though Jesus were their Lord. I’m currently memorizing David’s psalm in I Chronicles 16 which has taught me the powerful witness of singing to the Lord, especially when in challenging circumstances.
I try to quote my verse of the day aloud which helps me learn it and sometimes prompts my children to ask what the verse means. This has been a great way to start a spiritual conversation even with a preschooler. When I’m awakened throughout the night by any of the children, I keep my verse near a nightlight and quickly read it when I pass by. I try to review past passages while my husband drives us to church on Sundays.
My five year old is rewarded for memorizing verses for church. When she asked me what my reward is for learning my verses, I told her that peace and knowing and loving Jesus more were my rewards. Even though she doesn’t understand this now, my prayer is that one day she and her siblings will understand and treasure scripture memory’s Reward as much as I do.
Cathy,
Great story, thank you for sharing your story.I LOVE how you are leaving legacy of scripture for the next generation,very inspiring
Dear Cathy, what a wonderful and powerful testimony to God’s goodness and truth being hidden in your heart and how He is using it not only in your life but also touching the lives of others including your family. Thanks for sharing your story!
Thanks, Paulette & Chris, for your kind encouragement and feedback! May The Lord be glorified!
I was intrigued by your memorizing of 1 Chronicles 16:7-36. I went and read it. Wow, its beautiful. Of course I want to memorize it too. We all need these types of words filling our minds. Focusing on God and his majesty lifts me up and frees me from self-absorption. Love it! And thank you for sharing your story.
Thanks, Janet! It’s been a great place to be in the Word. I’ve been amazed at how many of the verses have spoken to the various circumstances I’ve been in during the last few weeks. It’s been very enriching!
Thank you for this, Cathy! Just discovered in reading the portion of I Chronicles 16 that you are memorizing, that verse 34 says just about the same thing as Ps. 100:5 that you also mentioned…that the
Lord is good and His lovingkindness is everlasting. It’s a real treat to see that what meant the most when I memorized Ps. 100 recently is basically repeated in I Chronicles! Thanks again for your sharing!!
I can relate to the desperation, which impelled me as well! Thank you so much, Cathy, for writing. What a wonderfully awesome legacy you are giving your children.