Bible verse memorization may be something you’ve never considered.
After all, we are barely making it as it is. I’m convinced single moms are overworked and overstressed daily.
Why go that extra mile? And why force those whining kids about making their brains work?
My answer is, “You should do this because of its impact on today, the future, and eternity.”
This may be one of the greatest gifts you can give your children and yourself.
Consider the benefits of memorizing verses or chapters of the Bible.
The memorization of the Bible has many benefits.
These include healing of the mind and the effects of scripture in the mind.
I especially love this article:
NEWSFLASH: Scripture Memory Enlarges the Brain – Replicate – Replicate
I have a similar story.
When I was little, I had a series of bad luck. I ended up with Rocky Mountain Tick Fever, Epilepsy, and Mono at the same time. Throw in a little family trauma; you have one troubled, sick kid.
I don’t remember much about this time. Many people describe themselves as being numb when they have tick fever. And that’s the way I was. And I stayed for years.
I was diagnosed with mild Epilepsy in kindergarten and got tick fever and Mono in first grade. Schooling was a disaster.
I walked through life like I was sleepwalking. Learning wasn’t something I could do well. I was in resource learning classes for most of my elementary school years.
When I was in 7th grade, my mom realized that she would have to do something drastic to get my mind to engage and connect with learning and others.
Bible memorization can heal and grow the mind.
She had heard about the impact of scripture memory on people’s minds. And so she began. She laid out Psalms 119. It has 176 verses. This was a daring and challenging venture.
And for the next year, I quoted Psalms 119 for 45 minutes daily. And I can say firsthand that this one activity changed my life for the better.
I completed high school without difficulty and got A’s in college. Without her dedication to helping me, my story would have been much different.
I tell you this because change is possible.
I don’t know your story. But because we are single moms, I imagine you and your children have lived through some trauma and heartache.
This may have impacted learning abilities.
Trauma and pain affect the brain, but healing is possible.
This article from Psych Central does a great job of detailing the effect of trauma on a child’s mind and what can be done to help.
https://psychcentral.com/ptsd/complex-ptsd-trauma-learning-and-behavior-in-the-classroom
The good news is that the neuroplasticity of the brain is fantastic! And that means that where we are and where our children are can be changed!
My mom wasn’t a doctor; she was a concerned mom. And that made all the difference!
And that is who we are!
Caroline Leaf has written a book regarding this subject. Switch On Your Brain. It is one that I have read for myself and my children. In it, she discussed the brain’s neuroplasticity and how to “turn on the brain.”
One other suggestion I have for kids who are struggling in school is to consider homeschooling. Here is an earlier post regarding this issue.
Helpful Hints for Homeschooling as a Single Mom – (singlemomoutwest.com)
Memorizing the Bible is the way we fight battles.
The Bible teaches us that we fight not against flesh and blood but spiritual battles instead. And that the Bible is our sword of truth.
Ephesians 6:10-20 is a great passage on how we need to fight our battles.
Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. 11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. 12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. 13 Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. ESV
Jesus also fought his battles using scripture.
Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. 2 And after fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry. 3 And the tempter came and said to him, “If you are the Son of God, command these stones to become loaves of bread.” 4 But he answered, “It is written,
“‘Man shall not live by bread alone,
but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.’” ESV
There are times when the Bible is not in front of us. This is true in many difficult circumstances. Having the ability to recall Bible verses is vital.
To read more about this, please consider reading this post on Getting Decked Out in the Whole Armor of God.
Put on the whole armor of God – Single Mom Out West Faith
Bible Memorization brings us closer to the God we love.
The Psalms have always been an inspiration to me. The focus of using scriptures as prayers and songs and in conversation with God is life-changing.
Praying scripture and connecting with God using his words helps us feel closer to God in a way that changes us forever.
Margeret Therkelson goes in-depth with the subject. Her book The Love Exchange is one I often revisit because of its impact on my life.
The power of the Bible.
The Bible talks about its power in this verse:
For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. KJV
Memorizing scripture is essential for kids and adults. It is hard work and an investment that will change lives and brains.
It’s one activity that truly changes our lives now and forever!
