I grew up a Sparky. You’re probably wondering… What in the world is a Sparky? Well, I’ll tell you. It is the kindergarten level of a children’s Bible club called AWANA. Every Wednesday night, I went and learned Scripture verses, memorized the books of the Bible, heard Bible stories and played some pretty intense rounds of tug-of-war. I was a pastor’s kid. It was the thing to do.
It was there that I learned the importance of Scripture memory. We learned verses upon verses and quoted them to our teachers. I followed the plan; I had the little red vest, the crown pins and sparkling jewels to show for it. Yep. I stored up quite a bit in that little head of mine.
It’s too bad I’ve forgotten.
Over time, the verses have dwindled in my memory. Bits and pieces come back now and then, but often I have to search and search to find them in the far back corners of my brain. And worse, in some ways I’ve dismissed how important it is to have those Words in a secure place…
Well, I was reminded recently. I was hungry, looking for true nourishment. I’d read portions of Scripture in the morning, but by mid day there I was, famished trying to fight the hunger pangs. And, unfortunately when I was unable to recall the earlier readings, I’d start searching for the junk food instead to satisfy. But television shows, good books or even conversations with friends don’t supply daily sustenance the way that He can. I was desperate to live more fully, with more strength. So, I prayed and asked God to help me fill the void somehow.
And, as He so gently does, He whispered to my heart, “You’re not consuming enough of me.”
“Oh…. But, I’m reading, I’m praying, I’m thinking about You…”
“It is not enough. You need to take My Words to heart so that they become food for your soul, so that You don’t forget them.”
My son, do not forget my law,
But let your heart keep my commands;
2 For length of days and long life
And peace they will add to you.
3 Let not mercy and truth forsake you;
Bind them around your neck,
Write them on the tablet of your heart,
4 And so find favor and high esteem
In the sight of God and man.
5 Trust in the LORD with all your heart,
And lean not on your own understanding;
6 In all your ways acknowledge Him,
And He shall direct[a] your paths. (Proverbs 3:1-6)
I’ve thought about this conversation I had with Him a lot. A lot. It happens that I really have been considering Scripture memory childish. It is something you do at Sunday School, or Bible clubs, or Vacation Bible School. But, the truth is, I need to do it now more than ever. If I’m going to survive and grow in wisdom and grace, I will have to devour His Word, and savor it in my heart and mind. Then God’s Word, thoroughly nourishing, will keep me vital and alive. This truly is Soul Food.
These words from Psalm 119 are my prayer tonight:
10 With my whole heart I have sought You;
Oh, let me not wander from Your commandments!
11 Your word I have hidden in my heart,
That I might not sin against You.
12 Blessed are You, O LORD!
Teach me Your statutes.
13 With my lips I have declared
All the judgments of Your mouth.
14 I have rejoiced in the way of Your testimonies,
As much as in all riches.
15 I will meditate on Your precepts,
And contemplate Your ways.
16 I will delight myself in Your statutes;
I will not forget Your word.
Well, Here’s the big news! I’m making a big leap of faith, and I’m hoping maybe a few of you will join me! I’ve added a new page to the daily portion blog called “Soul Food.” There I will outline my Scripture memory work. It isn’t anything spectacular – nothing terribly rigorous. I am going to do a few verses a week, starting with James chapter one. If you are hungry too, I would love it if you would “chew” on these passages with me, long enough that they become a part of us – sharing a meal of some “Soul Food” together….
You can check out the new “Soul Food” page by clicking on it’s tab next to the “mini portion” tab.
daily portion 