God Thought 11/9/22

My friend once encouraged me to memorize Bible verses — one beginning with each letter of the alphabet. I took up the challenge and carefully chose 26 passages of scripture. These memorized verses have grown to be an essential part of my faith journey.

I’ve found that God’s word is powerful. It is the truth. As Proverbs 4:22 says, it brings life and healing. When I fill my heart and mind with scripture, it brings me peace and encourages me to worship. If I lie awake at night and can’t get back to sleep, I recite these memorized verses to focus my thoughts. If I am anxious during a medical procedure, I think through these verses to calm myself. I have discovered that worship and worry cannot inhabit me at the same time.
Following Jesus’ example, we can use scripture to speak truth against temptation, include it in our prayers, or say it as a blessing over the lives of those we love. This is all so much easier when we have God’s word memorized, living in our hearts. It is a spiritual discipline that I have found to be very helpful and encouraging.

TODAY'S PRAYER
Loving Father, thank you for the treasures and truth we find in your life-giving word. Grant us the strength and fortitude to meditate on your scripture, study it, and memorize it. Amen.