Why memorize Scripture?

It was a Saturday night and I was feeling blue. I was preparing for church the next day, getting myself ready mentally and spiritually. But the voice in my head was arguing with me, saying things like, "Why bother? It doesn't do any good." I felt worthless. I felt blue. It was as if a heavy darkness was encroaching, surrounding me.

But then I thought, "I don't believe that. I believe God is at work and that he has a purpose for me." I remembered what I had heard one of my mentors say about preaching good news to himself. So I preached to myself. I spoke aloud, quoting Ps. 42:11 to myself:

"Why are you downcast, O my soul? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my savior and my God." - Ps. 42:11

As soon as I heard myself say, "hope in God," a light flicked on in my soul. The light was small, like a candle in a pitch black cave, but as that light came to life the encroaching darkness suddenly jumped back. I felt hope begin to burn in my heart and I said to myself, "Whoa! That was cool."

It was cool. And I want more of that. And so I memorize Scripture.

Comments

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