Hiding God’s Word In Your Heart

One way you can make doctrines stick with you longer is by utilizing Scripture memory.

The Bible repeatedly encourages Scripture memorization. If we hide it in our hearts (Ps 119:11), then the Word of God is with us even when the leather-bound edition of it may not be near our hands. You can memorize and meditate on the truth throughout the day and you will be amazed at how those passages will come alive to you as you study them further.

I was in college before I ever took Scripture memorization seriously. Serving for a month on a mission trip in Japan, I became discouraged with my lack of Bible knowledge. I was sick and tired of being asked a questions about the Bible and responding with an answer such as, “Well, somewhere in the Bible, it says something like this…”

Something had to change. In a Tokyo convenience store, I stumbled upon a key chain with blank note cards on it that local university students used to learn English words. They would place the English word on one side and the Japanese translation on the other side. The students carried them around everywhere because they thought to survive in this world, they needed to speak the English language.

I decided that if I was going to survive in this world, I was going to have to learn how to speak the biblical language. I needed to hide God’s Word in my heart. I began putting verses on one side and the reference on the backside. Everywhere I went for a week, I traveled with that pack in my pocket. When the situation allowed, I worked on memorizing those verses relentlessly. In that week, I was amazed at how many verses I was actually able to memorize.

Jesus stated that one of the major roles of the Holy Spirit is to teach us all things and bring to our remembrance the things that have been taught to us (John 14:26). As I hid God’s Word in my heart, I experienced the Holy Spirit on a completely different level. When I was discouraged, I experienced Him reminding me about verses of encouragement. When I was tempted, I was confronted with God’s standard of holiness. When I was unsure, He reminded me of His clear directions. God’s Word became living and active in my life (Heb 4:12).

So what about you? If you are sick and tired about not knowing God’s Word, there is no better time to change it than right now. Going along with the True[ish] series, we have selected some specific verses for you to begin your journey. Below you will find two passages per doctrine (accompanied by its big, impressive theological word) that we recommend for you to memorize. Eight doctrines at two passages each equals 16 verses. That number might be a lofty goal for you, but make a New Year’s resolution to finish this list.

Do it together. In your Community Group, Sunday School class, or just with a friend, work on this list and see what a difference it could make in your life.

The Bible (or Bibliology)

  • Psalm 119:11
  • 2 Timothy 3:16-17

God (or Theology)

  • Genesis 1:1
  • Psalm 86:15

Man (or Anthropology)

  • Genesis 1:27
  • James 4:14

Jesus (or Christology)

  • John 1:14
  • Colossians 1:15

The Holy Spirit (or Pneumatology)

  • John 14:26
  • Acts 1:8

Salvation (or Soteriology)

  • John 3:16
  • Ephesians 2:8-9

Church (or Ecclesiology)

  • 1 Peter 2:9
  • Hebrews 10:24-25

Eternity (or Eschatology)

  • Hebrews 9:27-28
  • Revelation 22:12