Learn By Heart

One of the things I recall from school-days is memorization: multiplication and periodic tables, offensive plays in basketball, animal and insect anatomies, etc. This older-me, however, remembers little of those things. Why, we are rarely challenged to memorize anything - we have information stored in our phones or available online just a touch-or-two away. Interestingly, God speaks to the importance of memorizing Scripture. By memorizing The Word, we have access to it no matter where we are or whatever our circumstances. The benefits of God's Word are immeasurable: It keeps us from sinning (Psalm 119:11); It gives comfort in troubles (Psalm 119:52, 92); It sustains our spirit (Deuteronomy 8:3); It It provides guidance (Proverbs 6:20-23); It gives us wisdom in parenting our children (Deuteronomy 6:6-7) ... the benefits are endless! Here's something worth noting: the definition of "memorization" is "to commit to memory; learn by heart." Did you see that - learn by heart! That's exactly what God's Word does: as we hide away (treasure) Its words in our hearts, It transforms and renews our minds (Romans 12:2). I don't recall memorizing those school-things doing any of that! What a challenge with great reward we have before us as Believers. As we read (even memorize) God's words of Truth, we ultimately ... learn by the heart.