When I was around elementary age, my Mom and Dad signed me up for a program called “Bible Quizzing” that was run through the network of churches we were involved in. The way it worked was a book from the Bible was chosen, and we were given a workbook that walked us through that particular book of the Bible. We were to read the chapters, understand what we were reading, and answer questions to ensure we remembered. Then, we would get together with the other churches and have a day of full-on, competitive quizzing. And let me tell you, there were trophies involved, and I NEVER wanted to walk away without one! I competed for a few years and loved every minute of it.
 
In preparation for the quiz meets, my Mom thought it would be a great idea to read each chapter of the book out loud while recording her voice on a tape recorder. (Yes, I said tape recorder. This was the 90’s!) Her early version of an audiobook, if you will.
 
But here’s how she took it to the next level…
 
The goal was for my sister and I to memorize as much scripture as possible so we would know that book backward and forward. Well, there are only so many hours in a day. Therefore, taking full advantage of our sleeping hours, she would pop the cassette tapes in at bedtime and press repeat. Those babies would play all night long while we were sleeping – essentially, waking up with the Bible seeping out of our pores.
 
I was willing to do whatever I could to secure that beloved trophy. That was my primary motive for all the studying I was putting in.
 
However, I believe my Mom’s intentions were set on a higher purpose.
 
She already knew, from her own life experience, that memorizing scripture and knowing and understanding the stories of the Bible were pivotal. She wanted her kids to know it and believe it and live it. And she made sure we did, even if she went about it in an atypical way.
 
You see, because of my Mom’s desire for me to know God’s Word, a foundation of truth was built at a young age. And throughout my life, I’ve continued to read the Bible and learn and memorize the scriptures.
 
So, in times of suffering and trials, but also in times of joy and celebration, God’s Word is already dwelling in my heart and I’m ready to pray it, speak it, or shout it out loud!
 
I know it can be challenging as we get older to take time to memorize. I’ll be the first to admit it.
 
We may not get a trophy, but our reward is far greater – the reward of wisdom and obedience, encouragement for others, and the reward of a better understanding of who God is.
 
If you’d like to begin or continue your journey of memorizing scripture, here’s a verse you can start with:
 
Colossians 3:16
“Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts.”

-Jen