Remember 5 1/2 years ago when I was memorizing Psalm 40? Me neither… I knew it was ages ago but didn’t think it was SO long ago. Like pre-parenthood long ago. And the years keep flying by. I was reading Psalm 40 this morning during quiet time with God, and verse 11 echoed in my heart:
As for you, O Lord, you will not restrain your mercy from me; your steadfast love and your faithfulness will ever preserve me.
I certainly don’t have this psalm memorized anymore, although it does give me a sense of familiarity when I read it. I remember the first time this verse struck me, the generosity of the language, the idea that God’s mercy can be restrained or poured out as he chooses, and the wonder of having this type of relationship where you know that God will not hold his mercy back.
I’ve been walking through a season of unrestrained mercy in a kind of brutal way these last few months. 2016 came to an end with heartbreak and tumult, and I felt like I had to re-learn every big lesson I’ve ever learned with God. But here at the start of a new year when I have made no resolutions, the simple things like spending quiet time with God feel like a life raft I keep forgetting about. Like, why am I treading water in the cold ocean of life?
Today I am grateful to know a God who invites me to sit at his feet and rest in his presence.
Much is made of Scripture memorization and it praiseworthy to be sure. But this is just one translation of the original texts. There are some excellent hymns and songs. There are books and sermon transcripts.
The importance of memorization is the embedding of the message in our mind and soul. A memory of chapter and verse may escape but the intent is not.
Hi Bill, thanks for taking the time to leave a comment! I agree with how you put it: embedding the message in our mind and soul is the best goal when memorising/reading/hearing God’s word. Any time I’ve worked to memorize a verse or passage I find I take so much more away than just reading the words.