I had a hard time sleeping last night. I just couldn't shut my mind off. It's easy to get caught thinking about things that just don't do me any good. Anyone got some worry? fear? uncertainty? indecision? If so, you know what I'm talking about. Later I was reminded that what I think about can change my day. or my week, or my life. "Will I meditate on His Word or my worries?"
Ann Voskamp from
Holy Experience posted about the importance of memorizing scripture. She has a
yearly memorization plan set up for memorizing the Sermon on the Mount from Matthew in 2012. (Matthew 5, 6 & 7 - 2-3 verses a week)
Last year I committed the book of Colossians to memory by following her dated plan. I carried my little memorization booklet with me just about everywhere I went. Some weeks I doubled up, some weeks I played catch up. As my memory book became stained, so did my heart....God used His word to do some amazing things.
* Colossians became my book....whenever I would hear a reference from Colossians or read a verse from Colossians, I was like..."hey that's my verse, I know that verse!" When you wrestle with something long enough, it becomes yours.
* I grasped those committed verses in a more meaningful way because I had to
learn them...and remember them, so I tied them into previous verses and thought about what they meant and somewhere along the way they got deep into my heart and anchored themselves there.
*I found myself less focused on my stuff and more focused on the Word. Heck, I had to be in order to get it memorized. And that was good, because God's word is so much better than my stuff...my worries...my off target wanderings.
* Scriptures from other passages seemed more familiar and tied together more easily after I'd connect them with something I'd learned in Colossians. God's word really is amazingly intertwined and affirming.
...so I'm really excited to be committing another year to learning another section of scripture. I know it's going to be hard....the good things always are. But I know the beauty that comes from having the Word hidden in my heart and I'm ready to get some new thinking embroidered into this heart of mine....
...just a couple of weeks without memory detail has shown me how easily I can get caught thinking about things that do me no good at all. So, whatcha thinking about? Feel free to join me (and many others) as we commit God's Word to our thoughts, our hearts and our lives....you won't regret it!
to read more about the plan and the making of the booklet click
here.
*** don't feel like it's too late to start...join in any time. I'm starting a couple of weeks behind, but that's OK...you're never behind when you're committing His word to your heart.
13 comments:
What an encouraging post. You are so right and I really need to do this, even if it is just one verse. I'm not losing sleep, but I am struggling with a stinky attitude about something.
This is so interesting, thank you! I did go and look at Ann Voskamp's post from last year when you mentioned you'd memorised Colossians. And I saw that she was doing another Memorise-A-Long this year. My mind has been so stressed with family events that trying to memorise a verse a week would possibly push me over the edge just now - recently my daughter was worried that I might have Alzheimer's, but I assured her it was just worry and fatigue! But I think the principle of memorisation is a great one, and I carry some cards with Bible verses and quotations around with me that I look at often, and kind of memorise them that way.
I will keep this in mind and I hope in time to come I'll have a bit more brain-space to attempt something like this.
As I was reading you post Psalm 1 came quickly to mind. I would like to check out the memorization you have mentioned. I love God 's word and treasure those moments He speaks to me through it.
Hugs. Trish
Ps. I meant to ask why you chose Colosians specifically?
I was just reading her post last week! I'm not sure I can do it! But I am up for memorizing more scripture this year!!
Oh, this is lovely, Lisa... I love your little notebooks to help you concentrate & focus & live more fully in faith. Your little books are just beautiful--tiny works of art they are! I'm sorry you've been losing sleep and hope you'll find more ease and calm again soon. It's funny how when we finally have a chance to relax, rest and sleep we can't for our minds working overtime. But I'm with you on how the way we think can affect us and affect our day. :o) Thank you for this lift of a post! ((HUGS))
Beautiful post! This is my resolution for this year; to make Scripture memory a first priority. I am in the process of memorizing the book of James as I do a Beth Moore study of the book. Our pastor just spoke last week of the huge importance of Scripture memory (as our church is learning "Fighter" verses). I never thought I could, but as I ask for wisdom, James 1:5, I am finding although it does take a lot of work and commitment, it isn't nearly as hard as I thought it would be. It is actually a joy! You are so right, we keep our minds filled with His Word, and we ARE a whole lot less likely to think on junk!
Sweet little books from a sweet lady. I hope you're resting easier.
You are the most clever and practical girl! I love this idea. I have a few scriptures memorized (kind of) that I can go to when worries take over, and it does help so much, doesn't it. I need to add more to my repetoire!
Blessings,
G
What a great reminder for me that I need to do a lot more memorization of God's Word. Yes, there are times I can't sleep either, due to worry. Not a good thing. I pray myself back to sleep when that happens, most of the time. Scripture would help my mind to be more peaceful, I am sure!
Thanks for sharing the link.
Happy belated birthday to your son!! I hope you enjoyed a great day together with family.
Blessings for a beautiful weekend.
xoxo...Gloria
I too am going to start today on memorizing this. It's funny how God will call forth verses that you have dedicated to memory just when you need them. The more you have dedicated the more opportunity you give him to speak His word to you. Thank you for the encouragement!
OMGosh, I forgot to come back and leave a comment of gratitude! I printed out the memory project and I cannot believe what a blessing it is! I never knew my bible's column size was an issue for me, but memorizing through your recommended method was super easy! I caught up in ten minutes and I am so blessed. Thank you!
I literally swelled with His goodness as I read this post. His confirmation is perfect yet still leaves me astounded. I memorized parts of Colossians years ago through Scripture Memory Fellowship's books. It has allowed me to be able to pray His Word many, many times. I have used several other books they publish for scripture memorization and found them very helpful. Just recently I have taken this task to heart once again. Thank you for sharing, I might just have to make myself a book. The task of scripture memorization is hard work indeed, but it pays the very best rewards!
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