What is a Big Mac?
My kids love to ask that question every time we go to McDonalds and I always respond with,
"Two all beef patties,
special sauce,
lettuce,
cheese,
pickles,
onions
on a sesame seed bun!"
For some reason this old jingle causes my little ones to break out in giggles and my teenagers to roll their eyes and frantically look around in embarrassment to make sure no one overheard me. I have no idea when I first memorized the detailed description of a Big Mac but for some reason it is permenantly tatooed on my brain.
Recently the thought occurred to me, "how much useless trivia are we storing in our memory banks?" We can rattle off things like advertising slogans, TV theme songs (think of The Flinstones & The Brady Bunch), stories and poems we have read or quotes from famous movies. So why is it so easy to remember the lyrics to my favorite songs and yet so hard to remember scripture?
Although I know that memorizing scripture is important for spiritual health, growth and well-being I have to be honest and admit that it is not easy or natural for me.
In fact many people might question the need for committing scripture to memory in a culture where the word of God is readily available in a variety of formats and translations. We can read the bible in book form, listen to it on CD, watch it on DVD or pull it up on the internet. A quick look at Bible Gateway gave me access to over 20 translations in English alone! We truly are a blessed people.
However it is possible that someday there may be a time we don't have access to our bibles. In such case we need to already have buried the words of the Lord deep into our hearts.
Why?.......
Because it is in those words we will find the strength to stand strong in the face of fear:
"Though an army besiege me, my heart will not fear; though war break out against me, even then will I be confident." Psalm 27:3
"So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my right hand." Isaiah 41:10
Knowing God's word brings us peace in the midst of our trouble and anxiety:
"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, present your requests to God; and the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus." Phillipians 4: 7-8
Having the word of God committed to our memory also allows us to fight the enemy and experience victory over sin:
"How can a young man keep his way pure: By living according to your Word. I have hidden Your word in my heart that I might not sin against you." Psalm 119: 9, 11
We may not have the opportunity to reach for our bibles as we are experiencing an attack or facing temptation but if we are prepared with the sword of the Spirit we will be armed and ready to fight back.
"For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any doouble-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart." Hebrews 4:12
Another practical reason for memorizing scripture is to aid us in discerning the will of God in our lives as the Holy Spirit brings to mind words we already know:
"Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path." Psalm 119:105
"But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness and all these things will be given to you as well." Matthew 6:33
In order to be effective Christ followers it is important that we are able to recall the word of the Lord in order to comfort and encourage those around us. ~Many times I have been able to offer a timely scripture to my hurting child just like I might apply a band-aid to their skinned knee.~
On the other hand knowing God's word is essential for our witness to others:
"Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have." 1 Peter 3:15
And that hope is the final reason we need to have scripture seared into our memory:
"I wait for the LORD, my soul waits, and in His word I put my hope." Psalm 130:5
Hope for today, hope for a future and best of all hope to overcome. Jesus described that hope in John 16:33:
"I have told you these things so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." John 16:33
13 comments:
Hey, Kelley!
Good morning! I too get that jingle going through my head! Bless our hearts!I wish that the scriptures came as easily as well! You've got some great thoughts and verses here! Thank you!! Have a great day, my friend!
Love ya,
Susan
Good stuff!!! This is GREAT!
I'm memorizing scripture with Beth Moore this year and it is blessing my life beyond belief! Thanks for reminding me that we need to keep His Word in our hearts...you just never know when we may need it!
Prayers and blessings,
Rebecca
Amen! Kelley, I have those same brain tatoos! It has amazed me how I randomly pull up those old things... jingles and poems.
Thanks for the great reminder to commit to memorizing. I have become lazier as time has gone on, & it seems harder now for some reason, but press on I must!
Memorizing Scripture doesn't come naturally to me, either. At least not since I was a child. You gave some awesome reasons to memorize Scripture and as soon as I get out of this hydrocodone-induced brain fog (it's either that or keep coughing my head off) I'm going to start memorizing one a week. I read His Word daily and when I think of all that He has done for me, it's the least I could do for Him. Great post, Kelley!
Also, too funny about the Big Mac jingle. Our choir teacher used to make us warm up with that, enunciating the consonants.
First off so good to see you around again. Great post! I can't begin to tell you how some of your selections of scripture ministered to me today...it has been a "horrible teen" day full of self doubt and discouragment and your scriptures ministered to me. Thank you. I have hidden many but there are so many more scirptures to hide in my heart. Great exhortation! Hugs to you!
Hi Kelley,
So glad to read your blog update. I also know that jingle by heart. Thanks for the reminder of why we must hide God's word in our heart.
Hope you are keeping up on my blog. I am so enjoying posting from South Africa.
http://pshillingtales.blogspot.com
Love, Paulette
Oh what a DELIGHT it was to see you posted again!
You've been MISSED my friend.
Great word, and oh so true.
I need to keep the word IMPLANTED into my brain, at all times.
Welcome back to blogland♥
Amen Kelley! I had the great blessing of teaching script through music to K-5th graders for 7 years. Music helps so much...my 3 year old (at the time) picked it up too. I am still able to remember so much because of the music.
There are great Script. cds "Hide Em in Your Heart" Steve Green - for kids.
One word: RHYME
If scripture rhymed, I could sing every line. But yes, I could memorize more than I do.
have a great day!
Psalm 119:11, "I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you."
Trust all is well with you Kelley.
Blessings,
Joy
I think the themes songs are in our memories from hearing them constantly on TV. Imagine if they had Bible verses come across the TV then maybe that would make it a whole lot easier. More like subliminal messaging and not memorization.
I sing the Big Mac song all the time, too! I think we can remember things like that because it's put to music, and because when it was a new commercial it was repeated a zillion times over the air waves!
Perhaps we need to play songs that have scripture in them every commercial break!
Hi Kelley!
That goofy jingles been stuck in my head too. Myguy and I both have a "Brekkus Buick Honda" jingle stuck in our heads too from when we were around 16 years old living in Rapid City SD. It played on the radio all the time... and GOD HELP ME.. it's lodged tight.
THE WORD OF GOD... is embedded in my heart and like you; it's what I WANT MORE OF!
It's incredible the times I DESPERATELY NEED it... that when I have it written on the tablet of my heart it comes bubbling out.
Have a great day!
Holykisses, -- now I need to take my bigmac thought captive and stay clear of Mickeydees. lol
Lea
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