One of the best things my parents did for me as a child was making sure I enrolled in the Bible Memory Association (BMA) program at our Church. I found it very helpful to write out the verse I was to memorize. Oftentimes I just kept writing it until I had it down. I also loved getting the awards at the end of the school year if we had passed each section of verses. My most favorite award was the Tic Tac Know game having great trivia about the Bible, and I still have the game to this day.

Proverbs 7 challenges believers to memorize Scripture for their all-encompassing protection:

“Keep my commandments and live, And my teaching as the apple of your eye. Bind them on your fingers; Write them on the tablet of your heart.”

Proverbs 7:2-3

When God gave Israel, His wayward sheep, the Ten Commandments, He commanded that they teach them diligently, bind them as a sign, and WRITE them (Deuteronomy 6:7-9)! Writing a verse gives clarity and causes it to become fixed in our minds. I’m not sure how many years I participated in the BMA program but hiding God’s Word in my heart as a youth makes it easier for me today in many ways. And now as I continue to put to memory God’s truth, I’m more and more equipped for serving Him (2 Timothy 3:17), like writing this blog. It always amazes me how specific Scriptures will pop into my head, even after all these oh so many years (but I’m not as old as the hubby!).

Remember, Israel isn’t the only wayward sheep in the pasture! The Bible says we are ALL like sheep (Isaiah 56:3). Sheep like to go their own way, but they often get into trouble and the same is true for us. Many times, a Scripture verse I have put to memory reminds me to follow the Shepherd’s wisdom and not man’s shallow understanding. God’s Word has been like a “wall of protection” to my mind, my feet, my lips, my eyes, and my hands. Memorizing Scripture is so very important to my overall mindset, and most assuredly my health as well.

Yesterday, Charles Swindoll reminded us what’s down deep in our hearts comes out through our mouths. We need to be proactive in putting the good inside, so it takes up all the room and is readily available. We need to cover our eyes and ears and mouth with the memorized word of God dwelling in our hearts.

“Incline your ear and hear the words of the wise, And apply your mind to my knowledge; For it will be pleasant if you keep them within you, That they may be ready on your lips.”

Proverbs 22:17-18

What Scripture do you have ready on your lips because of putting it to memory?