Guest Post: Why We Should Memorize Scripture

I'm excited for Alannah Faith's guest post on The Remnant, not only because it's about a wonderful topic, but also because I've enjoyed reading her writing for a long time. Her blog, Let's Run Free, was one of the very first blogs written by a fellow Christian teenager that I followed. Be sure to check it out!

Since I was young, I’ve committed many Bible verses to memory. Over the years, I’ve become increasingly thankful that I have taken the time to hide God’s Word in my heart, as it says in Psalm 119:11. At times, the art of memory felt difficult or even pointless, but seeing the fruits that memory produces has changed my mind. 

Perhaps the clearest reason to memorize Bible verses comes in the second part of Psalm 119:11. We should practice memorizing Scriptures because it will help us turn away from sin. It will convict us when appropriate. God’s Word is our guidebook to lead a life that honors Him. If we commit His rules to memory, we will not only have an easier time keeping them, but we will show God that we respect and deeply revere Him. 

Indeed, memory can serve as an act of worship. When you hear something beautiful, be it a song or poem, don’t you want to be able to repeat it forever? How much more must we desire to repeat the most beautiful, life-changing Word ever given to us?

My love of beautiful words has reinforced my desire to memorize God’s Word. As a Christian writer, I want to be able to talk about the Bible with accuracy and depth. The best way this happens is when God puts His Word onto my heart again, reminding me of a verse that I hid in my heart many years ago. 

Even if you’re not a writer, the ability to share God’s Word is another reason that you should memorize the Bible. We are all called to be missionaries, fulfilling the Great Commission in the areas where God leads us (even if that area is our own hometown). When God leads us to another person, be it on an organized mission trip or during a serendipitous encounter with a stranger at a coffee shop, He gives us a chance to speak. Amazing things will happen when you are able to speak God’s own Word. You never know how you could end up changing someone’s life. 

Lastly, memory matters because we take our easy access to the Bible for granted. In our modern, first-world living, we so often forget that it is a privilege to have the Internet. It is a privilege to have a physical Bible. In previous generations and persecuted countries, such privileges do not exist. Yet, the Christians of previous generations and the Christians of persecuted countries have the strongest faiths. How does this happen? It’s because those Christians cared about God’s Word enough to commit it to their memory.

Memorizing the Bible isn’t easy, but it’s worth it. I know that this concept of hiding God’s Word in your heart can feel overwhelming at first. But remember this: you don’t need to go about memorizing an entire book in a day. Just start with one verse. Pick out a verse that reminds you of an important truth, a verse that saved your life, a verse that you want God to speak to you over and over again. Start with that one verse and see where it takes you. I promise you the journey will help you get through the valleys and bring you to the mountaintops.

If you sat down with Alannah Faith for a conversation over tea, chances are, she’d tell you at least a few stories from her life—and she’d secretly hope to hear your whole life story. Stories have captured her

heart ever since she was young, and she now shares the stories from her life on her blog, letsrunfree.com, where she hopes to point her readers to the freedom in Christ. When not writing, you’ll probably find Alannah running, studying, or perhaps exploring somewhere new.

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I hope you all enjoyed Alannah Faith's article. I'll be back next Tuesday for another post. Subscribe to The Remnant to receive a monthly newsletter and notifications about new posts! See you next week!

-Olivia