When I was growing up, I attended Awana—a program designed to help children know and understand God’s Word through biblically based lessons/stories and through Scripture memorization. Individual churches determine which age/grade-based groups within Awana to offer to their congregations and communities. At my church, Awana was essentially available for all ages. I started when I was three years old and finished when I was a senior in high school. Scripture memorization has never been easy for me, but in my post-Awana days, it’s been much harder.
Whether you’ve memorized a hundred verses or zero verses, this post is for you. The purpose of this post is simply to encourage you as you memorize Scripture (or as you consider memorizing Scripture, if you’re new to it). Though I’m definitely not an expert on Scripture memorization, I have a few encouraging reminders to share that’ll hopefully inspire you to start or continue incorporating this practice into your life.
1. Recognize the Real Purpose
Why do you want to memorize Scripture? Maybe a pastor at your church suggested you try it. Maybe the author of a devotional you like provided a helpful (and seemingly achievable) plan for it. Or maybe a popular social media influencer shared a positive personal story about it.
Those are all perfectly fine reasons to memorize Scripture. God can use the advice and insights of His people to challenge us in our faith and help us develop habits that honor Him. But the real purpose of Scripture memorization comes from Scripture itself.
For example, Psalm 119:11 (NASB1995) says, “Your word I have treasured in my heart, that I may not sin against You.” Similarly, Proverbs 3:1-4 (NASB1995) says, “My son, do not forget my teaching, but let your heart keep my commandments; for length of days and years of life and peace they will add to you. Do not let kindness and truth leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart. So you will find favor and good repute in the sight of God and man.” There are many good reasons to memorize Scripture, but the most important reason is to grow in obedience.
2. Persevere Through Challenges
Honestly, I need this reminder about perseverance right now. Recently, there was a passage of Scripture I stopped attempting to memorize after feeling really stuck. It just seemed like some verses in the chapter refused to be memorized. So I gave up.
Unless you’re naturally gifted at memorization, you’re likely going to struggle to memorize Scripture. That’s the unfun truth about this process. But even though it probably won’t be quick and easy, it definitely is worth the time and effort.
Whenever you’re tempted to give up on Scripture memorization, ask God to help you overcome that temptation. Persevere through challenges with faith and dependence on Him. If a specific verse, passage, or chapter refuses to stick in your mind, consider taking a break—but don’t give up on the process entirely.
3. Don’t Beat Yourself Up When You Struggle
Even though I memorized many verses through Awana, I definitely don’t remember all of them. And there are plenty of verses I didn’t memorize during that time. Thinking about the number of verses I don’t know (or can’t recall from childhood) is overwhelming.
Thankfully, God is aware of my limitations. Yes, He wants me to know His Word by heart. But as my Creator and Savior, He knows my weaknesses and loves me in spite of them. I can—and should—strive to memorize Scripture, but as an imperfect human being, I can’t do it perfectly. And neither can you.
My final reminder about Scripture memorization is this: Simply view it as a practical way to hide God’s Word in your heart. You don’t need to prove anything to God or yourself or others. This isn’t a competition. When you struggle, don’t beat yourself up. Being able to recall a verse or set of verses is a wonderful thing, but He loves you whether you can or not.
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