Memorization

The past few weeks have been rough for a variety of reason with lots of anxiety, worries, and frustrations.  I want to act in a godly way, but, often, it is so hard.  In the moment, I get angry, frustrated, or resentful.

Yet, bible memorization has been a help over and over.

Monday night, as my stomach was twisted, I sat in my meeting and wrote out Philippians 4:6-7 Be anxious about nothing. But in everything, with prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace that passes all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.   These words are a balm to my soul.

Driving Tuesday, James 1:20 Everyone should be quick to hear, slow to speak, and slow to anger.  For the anger of man does not achieve the righteousness of God reminded me to pray and not react out of anger.

Swimming Wednesday, I was encouraged to act honorable by Philippians 1:27 Whatever happens conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. 

When I started my new job, I wanted to make the most of my time in the car and memorized Philippians.  After Philippians, I was going to conquer all sorts of scripture but John 14-17 and Matthew 5-7 defeated me.  I stopped the habit of memorizing until a couple months ago.  I was weary of listening to NPR (and I do love NPR) and decided to try another epistle.  Epistles work for me as there is a general theme and thought process that is easier to follow and memorize.  I relearned Philippians and am now on James.

These Scriptures are implanting themselves in my soul.  I spend a good portion of my drive and swimming reciting Scripture.   As Philippians says, Whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is admirable, whatever is praiseworthy, if anything be excellent or praiseworthy, think on these things.

I am thankful for this time of memorization and the way it is causing me to press on to the upward goal of the prize of God in Christ Jesus.