“Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it” (Joshua 1:8a NIV).

Joshua was just installed as the leader of the Israelites. There were multiple things he needed to know – how to lead an army, how to settle the land, how to govern the people, but the most important thing he needed to know as the leader, was Scripture.

Why?

“Only then will you prosper and succeed in all you do” (Joshua 1:8b NIV).

When Joshua meditated on the Word, when his mind was continually fixed on it – it unleashed God’s favor on his life, and the people he was leading, in a supernatural way.

When we know Scripture, it affects every part of our life

This is why Chuck Swindoll in his book, Growing Strong in the Seasons of Life wrote,

“I know of no other single practice in the Christian life more rewarding, practically speaking, than memorizing Scripture . . . No other single exercise pays greater spiritual dividends! Your prayer life will be strengthened. Your witnessing will be sharper and much more effective. Your attitudes and outlook will begin to change. Your mind will become alert and observant. Your confidence and assurance will be enhanced. Your faith will be solidified.”

You may be thinking, “I get it I need to memorize Scripture, but it’s too hard! I’ve tried before, and I’ve failed! I can’t do it!”

You can.

How to Memorize Scripture

Andrew Davis developed a simple technique that many have found to be extremely helpful when learning to memorize Scripture. This technique is found in Davis’ book An Approach to Extended Memorization of Scripture, which is focused on not simply helping memorize a verse or two, but rather entire books of the Bible.

His method?

Review, Read, Recite, Repeat

Do this one or two verses at a time.

John Bloom, a writer for desiringgod.org, gives a short synopsis of Davis’ method:

Example: John 1:1-3

[1] In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
[2] He was in the beginning with God.
[3] All things were made through him, and without him was not anything made that was made.

Day 1:

• Read John 1:1 ten times (read it each time to imprint the words in your mind).
• Then close your Bible and recite it ten times (I suggest reciting it aloud).

Day 2:

• Reread John 1:1 and then recite it ten times by memory.
• Read John 1:2 ten times.
• Close your Bible and recite John 1:2 ten times.

Day 3:

• Recite John 1:1 one time by memory.
• Recite John 1:2 ten times by memory.
• Read John 1:3 ten times.
• Close your Bible and recite John 1:3 ten times.

And on and on. Review, read, recite, repeat. If you repeat a verse by memory once a day for 100 days, it will be in your permanent long-term memory.

For further study into Andrew Davis’ method, you can download his free eBook – An Approach to Extended Memorization of Scripture.

Take this as a challenge to dive into the Word and start memorizing. When you give time to meditating on Scripture, your disposition becomes brighter, your heart becomes softer, your faith becomes stronger, and God’s favor on your life becomes more apparent!