Motivation for Memorizing Scripture

I’m wondering how those of you who accepted my challenge to memorize Scripture are doing with that task.

It took me longer to memorize Psalm 8 than it did for me to memorize Psalm 121. I’m not sure why. I had already memorized parts of Psalm 8. Maybe that was the problem. I choose to memorize Psalm 8 in a translation that was less familiar to me. The words of the older and more familiar text kept getting entangled in my mind with the words of the new translation.

This problem turned out for my benefit because I had to focus on the meaning of the words I was memorizing. I could not unthinkingly repeat them like a parrot. If we only want to improve our ability to remember, why choose Scripture? We could choose anything.

The Psalm that I picked for this week, gives us numerous reasons to memorize Scripture. I”m thankful that God chose to tell us what he is like through creation through Scripture. 

Dividing Psalm 19 into couplets so that all I need to do is memorize 2 verses every day does not seem as intimidating as looking at the entire psalm.

The heavens declare the glory of God;
the sky displays his handiwork.
² Day after day it speaks out;
night after night it reveals his greatness.

³ There is no actual speech or word,
nor is its voice literally heard.
⁴ Yet its voice echoes throughout the earth;
its words carry to the distant horizon.
In the sky he has pitched a tent for the sun.

⁵ Like a bridegroom it emerges from its chamber;
like a strong man it enjoys running its course.
⁶ It emerges from the distant horizon,
and goes from one end of the sky to the other;
nothing can escape its heat.

⁷ The law of the Lord is perfect
and preserves one’s life.
The rules set down by the Lord are reliable
and impart wisdom to the inexperienced.
⁸ The Lord’s precepts are fair
and make one joyful.
The Lord’s commands are pure
and give insight for life.

⁹ The commands to fear the Lord  are right
and endure forever.
The judgments given by theLord are trustworthy
and absolutely just.
¹⁰ They are of greater value than gold,
than even a great amount of pure gold;
they bring greater delight than honey,
than even the sweetest honey from a honeycomb.

¹¹ Yes, your servant finds moral guidance there;
those who obey them receive a rich reward.
¹² Who can know all his errors?
Please do not punish me for sins I am unaware of.

¹³ Moreover, keep me from committing flagrant sins;
do not allow such sins to control me.
Then I will be blameless,
and innocent of blatant rebellion.
¹⁴ May my words and my thoughts
be acceptable in your sight,
O Lord, my sheltering rock and my redeemer.

Psalm 19 (NET)