Psalm 1:1-2 says 1 Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked, stand in the way of sinners or sit in the seat of mockers. 2 But he delights in the law of the Lord and on His law he meditates day and night.
How is this possible? How does someone meditate on the word of God; meditate on His law day and night? Well, I suppose this looks different for everyone. Some people read their Bibles throughout the day. Others pray throughout the day. Then there are those who have countless verses memorized and/or placed in key locations where they can reflect back on those verses - keeping God's word in their hearts.
Psalm 119:11 I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you (I looked this one up)
For myself, there was no consistency. I would pray when I thought of it, keep up with my Bible study books, utilize other devotionals and occasionally attempt to read through the Bible. I did finally make it through once, and I am still attempting a second run through.
The problem through is God's Word didn't feel like it was hiding in my heart. Instead it was hiding in the hearts of those who wrote the Bible Study books and devotionals. Having God's word truly hidden in my own heart seemed extremely overwhelming.
Introduce the book I started reading on Jan. 3. --> "His Word in My Heart: Memorizing Scripture for a Closer Walk with God." - by Janet Pope
Yes, the book talks about memorizing God's word, but it doesn't stop there. By Chapter 3 it has you memorizing too! The difference is I'm not memorizing select verses, but rather passages of scripture, and even books of the Bible. Context is key!!
How???? Where did I get the time/desire, especially with my 3 boys and wonderful husband to keep me busy? Well, the desire has always been there. I've just made excuses to suppress it. There was always something more pressing - TV, FB, books, activities, laundry, errands, time with friends, time with family....
Janet Pope's booked helped me to see that memorizing passages in context was easier for me, and I could do it throughout the day with nothing more than my mind to remember (not always an easy task). I memorize one verse at a time. Then I recite it throughout the day - during a commercial, pausing while reading a book, as I'm driving, out loud while playing with my 2 year old....
I have the time!
It's not overwhelming!!
And on the days when I don't memorize a new verse, I continue to recite the verses I already know. God is speaking to me through His Word! It is starting to truly hide in the depths of my heart.
I am more able to meditate on His law day and night! God is good, and I am blessed!
