BIBLE BULLETS - 16

Joshua 1:8

In kindergarten, did you memorize the alphabet? In grade school, did you memorize the multiplication tables? We memorize what’s important and useful.

So, shouldn’t we memorize Scripture? There are many reasons to memorize God’s Word.

Let’s consider just one…

God commanded His children to memorize and meditate upon His Word. How can we meditate upon something we don’t know?

God spoke to Joshua, the new leader of the Hebrew nation: “This book of instruction must not depart from your mouth; you are to meditate on it day and night so that you may carefully observe everything written in it. For then you will prosper and succeed in whatever you do. Haven’t I commanded you: be strong and courageous? Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go” (Joshua 1:8–9).

The Contemporary English Version translates it this way… “Never stop reading the Book of the Law... Day and night you must think about what it says!” (Joshua 1:8, CEV).

The New International Version reads like this… “Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it”

(Joshua 1:8, NIV).

I don’t think it matters what translation you memorize, or even that you memorize it perfectly. You certainly aren’t required to memorize the Elizabethan English of the King James Version with its “thees” and “thous.” 

Commit God’s Word to memory… God told us to do so!

“This book of instruction must not depart from your mouth; you are to meditate on it day and night so that you may carefully observe everything written in it. For then you will prosper and succeed in whatever you do” (Joshua 1:8).

“… think on these things” (Philippians 4:8, KJV).