Up until a couple of years ago I didn’t really understand the importance of memorizing Scripture. I had done it in the past but honestly, it was mostly because someone had asked me to and not because it was something I personally wanted to do. I figured that those verses were just an arm’s reach away so if I ever needed to refer to God’s Word I could just grab my trusty Bible and begin reading. Sounds reasonable enough, right?
But then I realized how difficult it was for me when I was right smack dab in the middle of a really tough situation, unable to grab for my Bible and I couldn’t remember much about what God had to say. It’s pretty tough to make a good decision in those circumstances.
The more I read and studied the Bible and the more the women in my Bible study talked about memorizing Scripture, the more I realized that it really is important to know the verses by heart. Ephesians 6:10-18 is so powerful and speaks directly to the importance of being equipped with the Word of God.
Ephesians 6:10-18 (NKJV)
10 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. 11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. 12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. 13 Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.
14 Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, 15 and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; 16 above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. 17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God; 18 praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints— (verses from Bible Gateway)
I want to be equipped and I want my children to be equipped when the hard stuff comes, because we all know it will. We are working on memorizing a Bible verse every week and sometimes we go two weeks because life happens but I’d rather memorize two a month (or even one a month) versus zero so we do what we can.
And I’ll be honest, I don’t always remember a verse word for word six months later or maybe I forget which book of the Bible it was from. It can be discouraging since my brain doesn’t always function the way I want it to but I’m working on it, I’ll keep working on it and that’s what matters most.
As part of our focus on gratitude and giving thanks we will be memorizing Psalm 95:2 this week. I created a fancy printable to put right smack dab on the middle of the fridge so we can look at it every day and recite it.
The good news is that you have access to this printable Bible verse too!
*****Giving Thanks Psalm 95:2 FREE Printable Bible Verse*****
This post is part of the Write 31 Days series on 31 Days to a More Thankful Life with Families. For more information and the full schedule click here.
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Hi Monica :0)
After numerous, what felt like never ending perusing Pages, Links, Tweets and Groups searching for Homeschooling guidance that offers not only resources but clear, organised and FUNCTIONAL protocols in place allowing me to ignite a love for learning and a thirst for knowledge in all my learners.
Thank you for renewing that spark – January 15th seems very far away indeed :0)
Hi Brenda! I am so glad to hear that your spark for homeschooling has been renewed! I hope you and your family had a wonderful Christmas. Enjoy the break and best wishes for great start back after the new year 🙂 ~ Monica