My friend Kate and I have been memorizing different scripture passages since this summer, so far we have memorized Romans 12, Isaiah 55 and are currently working on Romans 5. Memorizing scripture has been my saving grace over the past few months. These passages are all that I have had to hold onto at times when God felt so far away and at times when I have felt too unworthy to even speak His name because of the choices and decisions I have made in my life and continue to make when I know they are not the best for me.
Most people would consider me an "outgoing" and "social person", but lately I have felt the need to withdraw from that part of me and take some time for me. Time to reflect and reconnect with who am I and with the one who made me. Too often I get caught up in what others think about me, getting it right, and making the most of my life. I have come to the realization I apply these same thoughts when approaching God...what does he think of me? Oh no I screwed up again. Am I doing enough quiet times? Am I learning enough? What is my purpose and am I living up to my fullest potential?
Memorizing scripture has helped me to truly meditate on God's word and has reminded me of all that God has done to prove that He loves me and accepts me as I am. He has gone above and beyond. I am only 8 verses into Romans 5, but cannot get enough of these 8 verses....
1 Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, 2 through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we boast in the hope of the glory of God. 3 Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; 4 perseverance, character; and character, hope. 5 And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us. 6 You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly. 7 Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous person, though for a good person someone might possibly dare to die. 8 But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
Look at all that he has done for me, for us! So I sit here tonight, I still don't have everything figured out, but I do know that I have a God who is at peace with me, who have given me grace, who pours love into my heart, and who died for me while I was a powerless sinner!
I encourage you to find a friend and memorize scripture. It's great accountability, easy to do, and God will continue to reveal himself more and more to you if you choose to let him!
