Why Review Memorized Scriptures?

Memory Monday

When my first grandson was born, his parents were missionaries. They came to the states for the birth and lived with us for seven weeks. Such joy!

The day came for their return. With missionaries in the family, we had become pretty good at saying good-bye, though it was never easy. But sending them off with the baby made this good-bye incredibly difficult.

When we got home from the airport, one of the first things I did was frame some of the many (so many!) photos from those first seven weeks of our grandson's life.

Three in the family room, one on the piano. One in the bedroom. One in the kitchen.

I needed and wanted daily, visible reminders of this little one we had come to love so much. I didn't want to forget his little grin, double chin, sparkly eyes, big hands and feet. Or how he loved to kick like crazy. Or how he calmed down whenever his grandpa played a CD of 1950s ballads and danced with him in the garage.

I was determined to remember. I wanted a connection that crossed the miles.

Now that grandson has a new baby brother. The family lives in Georgia, not Europe. But we're in Ohio. We can't just jump in the car for a quick Sunday visit.

We've framed pictures of the new baby too, of course. And we pour over details in photos on Facebook. We look at them again and again.

How does this relate to Scripture memory?

Earlier this year I felt a pull to start memorizing Scripture. I started well, lost my focus, got it back. I'm still going at 1 Peter 1 with Hide His Word, though more in fits and starts than I would like. And the other shorter passages I learned before that? Well, I know they're still with me. Somewhere.

The thing is, I stopped reviewing. Too busy? Too tired? Didn't feel the need?

But reviewing Scripture, it turns out, is just as important as learning it in the first place.

Review, like all my photos, is a daily reminder of something held dear. A connection to something important. I like being able to turn my heart and mind to the Word whether a Bible is nearby or not.

A section of Proverbs 22 begins with these words:

Incline your ear, and hear the words of the wise,

and apply your heart to my knowledge,

for it will be pleasant if you keep them within you,

if all of them are ready on your lips.

Today's Scripture is from the ESV.