It’s important to search for a good way to express yourself in the midst of a chaotic and unkind world. Some people express themselves through song or dance, some play sports, sketch or write poetry. The things you do to keep yourself focused and out of trouble are essential to keeping you out of harm’s way. But, how often do you turn to the Bible? This isn’t about going to the Bible during hard times, for a weekly bible study or daily reading. Instead, it’s about using the Bible to express yourself – your feelings and emotions. Using the Bible to express what you’re going through can actually be incredibly healing and invigorating. Having scripture memorized to turn to during life’s ups and down is a healthy way to articulate who you are.
Express Life’s Circumstances
To memorize scripture as a spiritual discipline is to have it available in your heart and mind for God to tap into when you need it. To use scripture as a way to express yourself is to take something holy and apply it to your life according to the talents, gifts and aspirations God’s given you. It’s taking His Word and making it your own, allowing it to become more relevant and real in your life. Rap it, write it in a journal, doodle it, paint it, dance to its rhythm or just let your heart speak God’s Word when you need it the most.
- While you’re studying for a test, repeat Romans 5:1-5 about how endurance produces character over and over in your mind to help you maintain focus and persevere.
- While you’re training for a game or race repeat 2 Timothy 4:7, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.”
- While your parents are fighting repeat Philippians 4:7, “And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.”
- While you’re alone, remind yourself that God said, “Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand,” (Isaiah 41:10).
- While people are making you feel fat, ugly or inadequate speak God’s truth from Psalm 139, “For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made.”
- After you’ve accomplished something great whisper, Philippians 4:8, “Whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.”
- While you’re driving in the car with the windows down feeling the freedom of God’s love, sing Psalm 96:1, “Oh sing to the Lord a new song; sing to the Lord, all the earth!”
How to Memorize Scripture
Scripture memorization can be intimidating, but it’s really accessible with little effort. Start with a scripture that speaks to your heart. Perhaps you’ll want to select a favorite scripture, or a verse that contains insight into what you’re currently facing. Don’t know where to start? The Psalms or Proverbs are a great place to begin. Write that scripture in a journal and read it over every night before you go to bed or every morning when you wake up. Jot it down on a notecard and carry it with you through the day. If you still use a planner, write it at the top of your weekly schedule. Write it on your bathroom mirror or on a chalkboard in your room. The more you write it down, the more naturally it will come to you.
Begin memorizing the scripture you selected by reciting the first couple of words. Once you have those down, add the next few, then the next until you have the full scripture. Short scriptures may take you a week, long scriptures may take you months to a year. Once you have a few words or sentences memorized, recite it as often as possible. Mutter it to yourself in the morning, while you’re getting ready for the day or eating your breakfast. Go through it in your head while you’re driving to school. Look at it before each class starts while you’re settling into your desk. Repeat it while you’re working out. Review it while you’re doing your homework. Pray it back to the Lord before you go to sleep.
Use Scripture to Your Advantage
When you have scripture memorized, you can access it during the most random times, making it very personal. These scriptures can’t come to you if you don’t have them memorized. If you don’t know God’s Word, you may be missing incredible opportunities for God to reveal new insight into your unique and beautiful identity. Sometimes the memorized verse that comes to mind matches exactly what you’re going through. Other times it seems entirely irrelevant, but as you begin to use it as a way to express what you’re going through, you may gain a new perspective of God’s love and character.
Take a scripture you’ve memorized or one that’s new to you to create something beautiful that expresses who you are to the world. Let it help you identify who God created you to be. Scripture is applicable to every moment of life. Embrace it and use it to your advantage.
