I have stored up your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you.

PSALMS 119:11
In the world of modern technology, convenience has become the rule of the day. We work smarter not harder. We want things faster and easier. If we are hungry and in a rush we buy fast food. When we want to cook something fast we use the Microwave. The Internet has made it possible to do all most anything online, from shopping to business to school. Since we live life at such a fast and busy pace these shortcuts have become essential to modern American life. This is not to say that all of it is bad. These advances provide many new opportunities for the church, but without discipline they can become obstacles to faithfulness. One area where this is obvious is with our minds. In the information age we have more information at our fingertips than ever before. Yet, this ease of mind has caused us to think less and click more. If we have a question we just Google it online. We have Smart phones, Smart watches, even Smart water but our thinking is dumbed down. While technology is helpful it is good to get back to the basics.

God has called us to love him with all of our heart, soul, body, and mind (Luke 10:27). It takes intentionality on our part to do this without neglecting or omitting a part of our lives from devotion to God. A mind is a terrible thing to waste, especially when our Lord desires its attention. One of the most basic areas that many of us have neglected is the age old practice of memorizing Scripture. With so many Bibles at hand, digitally and print, we may not see the need to store it in our minds. We can just read a verse whenever we need to use it. Reading the Bible is essential, but God calls us to do more than read and recite. He wants us to internalize his message.

When was the last time you committed a verse to memory? What did you have to do to make it stick? How did it benefit you? It takes practice and time but the benefit is great. When God’s Word is in our mind it becomes a ready resource at any time and place. You may not always be able to reach for a Bible when you are dealing with a spiritual struggle or temptation, but if you have treasured Scripture in your mind it becomes a part of your way of thinking. It can refocus your attention back on God and dispel doubts and fears as they arise. Make time each week to memorize a verse. Share it with your family and those you love.