When I was 23 I decided to memorize Psalm 23. It was a cute little paly on numbers but there were a couple reasons I had this thought. One of them being many years before the pastor in my church was preaching and said something like “We should all be able to say Psalm 23 by heart. It’s only six verses.” The other reason was more recently I had been listening to podcasts that were talking about memorizing scripture. The people on the podcasts made it sound so easy and super life-giving, so I thought why not give it a try with Psalm 23.
I started by opening my Bible to that Psalm and just read it a few times. With it being such a popular group of verses, I found there were plenty of songs that helped me remember the first few verses. Then each night before bed I would pick a verse and repeat that one verse multiple times until I felt like I had it hidden in my noggin. I would slowly add in a verse each following night. It did take me longer than six nights to memorize this Psalm, but really it wasn’t so bad. Some nights I would write the whole thing out because there is some science behind writing stuff or at least that’s what my high school teachers would say. Mostly, I just read and recited it until it stuck.
I did not anticipate the fruit from this little act of spiritual discipline though. Hiding Psalm 23 in my heart has helped on numerous occasions like:
- Trying to fall asleep
- Getting through contractions during labor
- When I am overwhelmed at work
- When I feel afraid
In each of these circumstances, I have repeated the Psalm either in my head or out loud and been instantly calmed by the truth in those words. Okay so maybe not instantly when I was in labor but really focusing on just repeating the verses helped me to not focus on the pain. That is what the word of God is there for. To be our focus and guide us in life.
Instead of getting distracted by the world, we need to let scripture distract us from this world. Think about these verses and what kind of life they mean for us:
“The Lord is my Shepard; I lack nothing. He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside quiet water, he refreshes my soul. He guides me along right paths for his name sake. Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.” Psalm 23 NIV
When we memorize God’s Word, His goodness really does follow us all our days. Not because the circumstances turn out good but because His promises are good. The promises we find all throughout scripture. Promises of providence, peace, and protection like it says right here in Psalm 23. I believe that God hears us when we pray, but sometimes our words just fail. Sometimes all you can do is repeat Scripture and God knows exactly what you mean. That is why knowing scripture in your heart is so important. These verses are tools in our tool belt, weapons in our armor, snacks in our diaper bag. They are essential people!
So take the time to read and memorize His word. It doesn’t have to be a whole book or a chapter. Just start with one verse but see how it can transform your life.