“So the Word became human and made his home among us.” (John 1:14, NLT)
“Abide in Me, and I in you.” (John 15:4, NKJV)
Scripture memorization.
I have always known it was important to the success of my walk with God. At times I have been diligent to memorize. Other times, just plain lazy about it. But let’s face it ”“ when the rubber hits the road, it is only by His Word that I have stayed above the fray:
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- When I have felt alone ”“ “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” (Hebrews 13:5)
- When I have felt unloved ”“ “I have loved you with an everlasting love.”
(Jeremiah 31:3 NIV) - When I faced impossible odds ”“ “No weapon forged against you will prevail, and you will refute every tongue that accuses you.” (Isaiah 54:17 NIV)
- When I thought I would lose my mind ”“ “For God did not give us a spirit of fear but of power and of love and a sound mind.” (2 Timothy 1:7 NKJV)
- When I feared my children may not walk with God ”“ “But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord.” (Joshua 24:15)
- When I faced a hard medical diagnosis ”“ “But God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.” (Psalm 73: 26 NIV)
- When I had failed God miserably ”“ “Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow.” (Isaiah 1:18 NIV)
In her book, Undaunted, Christine Caine writes:
The truth you store up in silence comes back to you in the storm, and it lifts you away as on a life raft from the fears and disappointments that would otherwise pull you under. When you abide in his Word, he abides in you.
(from page 38)
Jesus, The Word. The very Word of God came in human form and dwelt among man.
If we are going to survive the storm,
If we are going to come out from the undertow,
If we are going to rise above the disappointments in life,
It will be because we have chosen to abide in His Word.
It will be because His Word abides in us.
Today I am joining … Porch Stories and Tell His Story and Coffee For Your Heart and Woman to Woman and Recharge Wednesday .
I, too, need to memorize Scripture. It helps so much in my daily walk. It’s been a couple of years since I was diligent in memorizing, but I plan on changing that in 2018.
Good goal for us all to commit to in 2018!
Hey Joanne, I have Rheumatoid Arthritis and have one bad knee that used to swell up all the time. Back when I was actively memorizing Scripture (which I am not at present!), I had to have it aspirated and a cortisone shot. So I began to meditate on a Bible verse that I knew while the doctor did that. And it really helped me to think on God’s word in that painful moment. I don’t know why I let the habit slide, but your reminder here today is nudging me back to it!
Such a wonderful testimony, Beth. God may be nudging many of us to commit to memorizing once again.
To dwell among man. I am so very thankful.
Amen, Joanne! What a help illustration for why we need His Word abiding in us. I’m lazy on memorization, too, sometimes….and then wonder why when I am memorizing! There is such joy in committing to His Word in memory! Thank you for this!
Bethany, you are right. There is joy to be found in having His Word rooted in our hearts.
Dear Joanne, thank you for the gentle reminder of the how critical the presence of the Living Word in our lives is. Blessings!