I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you. Praise be to you, Lord; teach me your decrees. With my lips I recount all the laws that come from your mouth. I rejoice in following your statutes as one rejoices in great riches. (Psalm 119:11-14)
Have you ever been a guest at someone’s club and your host could tell you sprinkler head distances without having to look at them? Knowing a course that well is impressive to me. More inspiring is one who can recite Scripture without the aid of a Bible.
With Rangefinders and GPS watches so prevalent these days, the incentive to attain and retain course knowledge is receding rapidly. Unfortunately, it feels like verse memorization is trending in the same direction with the advent of the internet and Google searches.
Spend enough time with Links Players President Jeffrey Cranford and you will eventually hear him say, “You can’t give out what you don’t possess.” His point? Like a caddie without a Bushnell, we are ineffective in our roles as Christians if we don’t know the Bible.
With that in mind, can I get up in your business for a moment? I implore you to memorize Scripture.
That’s right. I said it.
It may feel like meddling, but I’m not trying to get under your skin; rather, I’m trying to get the Word into your heart like the Psalmist in today’s verse.
Before you say you can’t, repeat after me: Jesus wept. Golf clap. You just memorized John 11:35.
Yes, I’m making light of what can be a daunting task for some. However, I urge you to think about the positive influence you can have in the lives of others if you’re able to quote Scripture off the top of your head.
Trust me, I’m not telling you to do something I wouldn’t. Years ago, I was issued the same challenge, so I began with individual verses. After realizing the importance of context, I started stringing verses together. Gradually I memorized full chapters (Romans 12, Colossians 3, and 1 Corinthians 13), and now my latest ‘project’ is learning the Sermon on the Mount, found in Matthew 5-7.
I don’t share that with a cocky sniff, but rather as an encouragement to you. This is coming from the same guy who initially thought Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John were repetitive stories, not realizing they were four separate accounts of the life of Jesus.
I’m not an expert in memorization techniques, but there are several apps available to assist. Just know it will take discipline. And guess what? Like most aspects of life, the Bible has something to say about that.
“No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it” (Hebrews 12:11).
I’m not above some friendly birdie banter, but you know what’s more satisfying than a well-timed zinger in your foursome? Having a ready response for friends dealing with life issues deeper than a divot.
“A person finds joy in giving an apt reply – and how good is a timely word!” (Proverbs 15:23).
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Prayer: Lord, you have given us your Word. Help us write it on our hearts and share it with others.