Years down the road from their intensive year of being mentored, guys tell me the Scripture verses they memorized continue to help them through life. Why? Listen to the words of Charles Spurgeon . . .
“There may be a promise in the Word which would exactly fit your case, but you may not know of it, and therefore you miss its comfort. You are like prisoners in a dungeon, and there may be one key in the bunch which would unlock the door, and you remain a prisoner still, though liberty is so near at hand. Should you not, besides reading the Bible, store your memories richly with the promises of God? You can recollect the sayings of great men; you treasure up the verses of renowned poets, ought you not to be profound in your knowledge of the words of God, so that you may be able to quote them readily when you would solve a difficulty, or overthrow a doubt?”
When I was young in my faith, the Bible was overwhelming to me. There’s just so much there. People often refer to it as the “owners manual” for life, which is a pretty good metaphor as the answers to all life’s questions are there. But I needed a “quick reference guide” . . . a few of the most important verses to guide my thought life and my most important relationships. I found that if I tagged the verses with a “keyword,” they’d be easier to call up in relevant situations. Here are a few of the verses that help me every single day . . .
Priorities -- Matthew 6:33 – But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you as well.
Fruit -- Galatians 5:22-23 – But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control; against such things, there is no law.
Fear -- 2 Timothy 1:7 – For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power and of love and of a sound mind.
Humility & Gentleness -- Matthew 11: 29 – Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.
Peace -- John 14:27 – Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.
Faith -- Romans 8:28 – And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.
Talk -- Ephesians 4:29 – Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.
Marriage -- Ephesians 5:25 – Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave Himself up for her.
Prayer -- Philippians 4:6 – Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.
Fatherhood -- Ephesians 6:4 – Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord.
Let me challenge you to jot down one of these Scriptures, including the “keyword” and reference and memorize it this week. Do another one next week. Soon, you’ll be able to bring 10 verses of Scripture to mind. You may find God bringing to mind the exact Scripture you need at the exact time you need it . . . for yourself or for others.
