I’ve been thinking and praying about my direction for the summer and wondering what to do about my blog posts. I decided that it might be helpful for me to go back and read what I’ve previously written.
As I reviewed some of the posts that I’ve written in the past couple of years, I discovered this one and knew that, once again, I needed to heed my own advice. If you are feeling stressed and hurried, today, you might like to check it out.
I’m planning to visit members of John’s family and my family and don’t want to be stressed and hurried while with them. In order for this to happen (in addition to practicing the principles in the above-mentioned post), I am choosing to cut back some of my activities.
For example, my husband and I did not plant a large garden. We will purchase more of our veggies from the local farmers who grow wonderful crops and bring them, freshly picked, to the markets.
An activity which I’ve decided I will return to is Scripture memorization. This practice reduces my stress level. As I shared during the worship service at New Hope Community Church this morning, the words of Scripture that I’ve memorized over the years have literally kept me alive.
In times of deep depression, failure, and disappointment, the Holy Spirit has faithfully brought back to my mind the word of comfort, encouragement, and wisdom that I’ve needed.
These are the words that bring joy to my heart and peace to my soul. These are the words that Jesus lived by. In referring to Scripture he said, “People do not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God” (Matthew 4:4 NLT).
So, my plan is to memorize a portion of Scripture every week. I hope that you will join me. I’ve picked a short Psalm (usually 6-9 verses) for each week.
Psalm 122 is the one that I’ve picked for this week. Though I’m familiar with and remember certain lines of this beautiful poem, I’ve not memorized it. I chose it because the Holy Spirit reminded me of this line as I was waking up: “the sun shall not strike you by day!”
That was exactly what I needed to hear on this hot morning. I was thinking of staying home from church so that I could stay cool in front of my air conditioner. The Holy Spirit has a sense of humor.
Below is the entire Psalm, as written in the New King James Version. Feel free, of course, to memorize it in another version.
I like that translation because at my age my soul needs a lot of preserving. (See verses 7and 8.) Instead of the word preserve, other translations use the words protect or keep. The idea is that God is our personal security guard. A great thing to know when we are traveling!
Again, I hope you will join me in memorizing Scripture. I’d love for you to share what God is saying to you through it. Others, also, will be blessed by your words.
I will lift up my eyes to the hills—
From whence comes my help?
2 My help comes from the Lord,
Who made heaven and earth.
3 He will not allow your foot to be moved;
He who keeps you will not slumber.
4 Behold, He who keeps Israel
Shall neither slumber nor sleep.
5 The Lord is your keeper;
The Lord is your shade at your right hand.
6 The sun shall not strike you by day,
Nor the moon by night.
7 The Lord shall preserve you from all evil;
He shall preserve your soul.
8 The Lord shall preserve your going out and your coming in
From this time forth, and even forevermore.
Psalm 121
Thanks for your encouragement to memorize God’s word. I’m in, a great challenge.
Glad you are in, Peppy! May the Holy Spirit give you new insights, encouragement, and fresh joy as you memorize Scripture.
Wonderful post. It has encouraged me to work on my memorization and to prioritize more and let go of the extraneous stuff that tends to fill my life.
God bless you greatly, my friend.
Thank you, Debbie. God bless you as you memorize and prioritize. I appreciate your encouragement and friendship.
I’m in!! This is something I’ve been wanting to do!! Thanks Jane. What you write is always so helpful to me!!
Great, Rose! God bless you with increased understanding of Scripture and much joy, as you listen for the Spirit’s application to your life. Thanks for encouraging me in my writing.
Thanks Jane! I did not grow up memorizing verses but have wanted the right push to get me started in my adult life. Your post might just be the right post!
And love the psalm 122. I gifted my 5th and 6th grade students with learning/memorizing that psalm so they could always have those words with them.
Blessings to you!
Thank you for your quick response, Lois! How great that chose Psalm 122 as a portion of Scripture for your 5th and 6th graders to learn.
Another fact about memorizing Scripture is that as we get older, it helps to improve our memory. Dr. Frank Minirith, in his book, A Brilliant Mind, says that memorization developed his ability to remember.