God's Word in My Heart

The other day, in my meditating through Scripture, my path intersected with Nehemiah 9:6.  It leaped off the page at me—I was vividly reminded of a time, some 57 years ago, when God first brought that verse to my attention. 

It was during my first pastorate—I was serving a small church in a region of rolling hills and timber. The town was principally composed of logging and saw mill workers.  The people were simple, warm, friendly folk—and my congregation was uniquely serious about their love for the Book.

When I arrived as pastor, the church embarked on a Scripture memory program that has been unequaled in my experience. We memorized hundreds of Scripture verses. The program was based on Scripture verses like Nehemiah 9:6, "You alone are the LORD. You made the heavens, even the highest heavens, and all their starry host, the earth and all that is on it, the seas and all that is in them. You give life to everything, and the multitudes of heaven worship you."

and

 “For whatever God says to us is full of living power: it is sharper than the sharpest dagger, cutting swift and deep into our innermost thoughts and desires with all their parts, exposing us for what we really are.” - Hebrews 4:12(LB)

and

“Thy word have I hid I mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.” - Ps. 119:11

And

“This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth, but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein; for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success.” - Joshua 1:8

and

“Your words are what sustain me; they are food to my hungry soul. They bring joy to my sorrowing heart and delight me. How proud I am to bear Your Name, O Lord.” - Jeremiah 15:16(LB)

Every week at Prayer Meeting we practiced reciting the verses collectively.

Every week the Men’s Meeting did the same.

Every week the Women’s Meeting did the same.

Every week the Youth Group did the same.

The hundreds of verses I learned in that three year program have stayed with me for 57 years!!  I have been able to use them in counseling, sermon preparation, writing, and simply for the personal guidance and comfort (and sometimes, conviction) they continually bring to me.

I have two regrets:

·         That I didn’t memorize more Scripture

·         That my age brings a growing memory failure so that all those verses are not now right on the tip of my tongue as they used to be (though they quickly come back when I brush up on them)

In the words of Psalm 119:18, my continual prayer for myself is “Lord, open Thou mine eyes that I may behld wondrous things out of Thy law.” It is my prayer for you as well, and I hope you will be motivated by the Holy Spirit to embark on a similar memorization path.

His Words are beyond price. 

AMEN