The goal that I work hardest on is my scripture memory goal. Last year, I spent about 30 minutes almost every day working on my verses. This year, I am increasing that to 45 minutes every day. I finished the year with 815 verses memorized well, and my goal is to end this next year with 1000 verses memorized well. I get more out of the passages I memorize as opposed to just reading them. I think about the content of the Bible passages I am memorizing by going over and over the verses to learn them well. I also noticed more details in the passages than I got from just reading them. When I lie down to sleep, I mentally pick out verses I have memorized and meditate on them. It is a great way to eliminate worry or fretting that many people struggle with as they try to fall asleep. Another significant blessing, especially for people my age, is that the discipline, mental effort, and focus it takes to memorize keeps your brain strong and able to think clearly. I have found that the more time I spend memorizing scripture, the easier it is for me to write sermons, lessons, and my blog. My brain seems to create ideas better and think logically in a straight line in a focused way rather than jump around to a dozen different totally unrelated topics. The mental energy that it takes to memorize is enormous. After 15 minutes, I noticed a significant drop in my success in memorizing a passage. I usually work on my verses for 10 to 15 minutes and take a break, even a nap. Probably the greatest blessing I get from memorizing God’s Word is the success He gives me in the things I do because I honor Him by honoring His Word.
Psalms 1:2-3 But his delight is in the law of the Lord, and in His law he meditates day and night. He will be like a tree firmly planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in its season and its leaf does not wither; And in whatever he does, he prospers.