Any long term discipline requires finding and keeping the enjoyment in doing it. Otherwise, it could eventually become drudgery, even though it is a drudgery of our own making. I realize I’ve just stated the obvious. The real question is how.
We know that memorizing the Word is God’s will.
We know that it’s a worthwhile practice that helps us understand life from God’s perspective.
We appreciate that the Word of God living in us acts as our “fence,” judging our thoughts, attitudes and motives and warning us about temptation.
And yet, on some days, we may find ourselves preoccupied, worried or distracted about some upcoming event or deadline. These concerns can choke our your ability to enjoy the process of getting to know God better through His word.
On those days, make the effort to rediscover the “pleasure zone,” that place where you experience God’s pleasure while Learning Scripture By Heart.
Scripture tells us exactly where that place is:
Psalm 16:11
You will show me the path of life; In Your presence is fullness of joy; At Your right hand are pleasures forevermore.
Remember how it felt the last time you spoke a kind word to someone, at the market, at the bank, just because you had the opportunity?
Remember how it felt the last time you encouraged a friend who needed it? Or when you went out of your way to give a stranger specific and accurate directions? Or helped a homeless person?
Remember the last time you just paused in the middle of your day and suddenly remembered, “God is here!”
That’s the zone or place where you experience God’s pleasure.
He loves you. From the creation, He planned that you would be part of His family. He enjoys spending time with you. He enjoys spreading the aroma of Christ through you, everywhere you go.
He is not keeping score. He is not comparing you with anyone else. He loves you for you.
This is where you will find your “HAPPY!”
In His presence.
God is near!
He is speaking!
He is leading!
He is helping!
He is enjoying just being with YOU!
As you memorize His word, notice you are getting in tune with Him. That’s where your “HAPPY!” is.
Once you find it, make sure you hang on to it! Check yourself periodically.
Are you enjoying yourself? You should be. After all, you make your schedule. You set your routine.
God made this day. No matter what we may face, we do not have to face it alone. That’s something we can all be grateful about.
If some of the verse references on this page make an impression on you, you may want to learn them. However, don’t do it out of obligation.
Beware of the obsessive desire to memorize every verse you read or hear! God is not requiring that of you. It is an unsustainable practice. I went through that stage. Trust me, you will wear yourself out trying.
The best way to avoid this compulsion is to separate your Bible reading time from your memorization sessions. When you come across a verse you would like to learn by heart, add it to your memorization “to do” list.
Jesus reminds us:
Matthew 11:28-30 NET
Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke on you and learn from me, because I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy to bear, and my load is not hard to carry.”
Enjoy the REST of your day!
“Unless and until we rest in God, we will never risk for God.”