Do you ever read the Bible and then promptly forget what you read? If you’re like me, you can’t for the life of you remember what you read in Scripture that very morning by the time you need to live it out later in the day, in the heat of a bad moment.
Sometimes during a disagreement with your husband, you can’t remember grace or wisdom. Or you run into construction on the freeway and forget about joy. And when you get home to fighting kids or a sick dog, you can’t call to mind peace or patience. You know the Holy Spirit is with you somewhere, but you can’t remember any words of wisdom.
Does this sound familiar?
God’s Word offers us encouragement, guidance, and strength, but all too easily we forget the words we read by the time we really need them.
If they gave a prize for forgetfulness, I’d be a serious contender. I’m the kind of person who walks into a room and forgets what she came for. I turn to my phone for a recipe while cooking dinner and end up getting lost on Instagram instead.
When it comes to remembering the truth I read in Scripture, I’ve discovered one simple, yet powerful practice:
Writing it down.
I think God knew all about our forgetful tendencies when he commanded the kings of Israel to write out a copy of the Law for themselves. Have you ever noticed this verse hidden away in Deuteronomy?
Each new king of Israel was to write out a copy of the law. Not only did he have to write it for himself, he had to keep his copy with him and read it every day to learn two things:
- To revere God
- To follow carefully God’s law.
Of course, God gave this directive to the kings of Israel; copying Scripture is not a commandment we have to obey. But for me, it has been life-changing and faith-renewing. I keep it simple; all I do is write out at least one Bible verse each day.
As my hand moves across the page, several things happen for me:
I think more deeply about what I’m writing. What do the words mean for my life right now?
The words become “mine” when I write them in my journal. I feel like they belong to me, and maybe they do. Because I have a record I can come back and read later.
Just like writing a to-do list or a grocery list helps us remember what’s important, writing out truth from Scripture help us to etch God’s words more deeply into our minds and hearts. The Holy Spirit brings them to life, and they come to mind more easily when we need them in the heat of the moment.
The same words of truth we write in our journals help us to stand on truth when doubt assails us. They help us to live out truth when frustration or stress threaten to undo us.
The next time you read Scripture, how about writing down one verse? Repeat it and pray it while you write it. Ask God to help you remember that verse later, and see if it doesn’t make a difference in your day.
Two Bible Journaling Resources to Help You:
“Growing in Trust” Scripture Writing Plan
This weekend, I’ll send my monthly “From Me to You” letter to subscribers, and this edition contains a printable two-week reading and Scripture-writing plan. Subscribe to my blog by Saturday, September 28th to receive it!
Journaling for the Soul: A Handbook of Journaling Methods
I’m honored and tickled pink that my friend Deborah Haddix featured my work in her handbook, but I’ve also found many creative ideas I’d never thought of before for Bible study and prayer.
If you’re interested in journaling, this book will inspire you to seek new pathways to connecting with God through the pages of your journal. Deborah’s book is full of spiritual encouragement, creative ideas, tips and even simple templates that have put a new spin on journaling for me.
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Linking up with Kelly Balarie’s #RaRa Linkup, Mary Geisen’s #TellHisStory, Holley Gerth’s Coffee for your Heart, Crystal Storms’ #HeartEncouragement, Lyli Dunbar’s #FaithonFire, and Arabah Joy’s Grace and Truth. Check out these communities for more encouragement.
Photo credit: Melika
I love this reminder of the importance of writing God’s Word. I tend to write in my journal for days and weeks and then forget about it for days and weeks. But I love going back and reading about everything He has shown me. Thanks for posting – I need to pick that journal back up!
Thanks for reading today, Adrienne. I also love going back over what I’ve written/copied previously.
I have Deborah’s lovely book in my pile, and will be on the lookout for your thoughts there! And I couldn’t agree more with the power of the pen in helping us to remember and slow down to savor truth!
Yes, it is a powerful instrument indeed! Enjoy Deborah’s book!
LOVE this! I learned long ago studying for exams that I learned best by writing and re-writing my notes! Such a rich little nugget about the kings writing out the law for themselves! Pinning, tweeting, and sharing this with my challenge group! Blessings, friend!
Thanks so much for your encouragement, friend. Yes, it’s true that re-writing notes is powerful! I never did that, but they do recommend it now! (Cornell note-taking system. 🙂 )
Writing scripture is powerful. There’s something about creating the words, or maybe it’s better termed “recreating.” Congratulations on being included in Deborah’s book. <3
Aw thanks, Kristi! Yes, copying is so simple, but it really helps me receive truth!
Such excellent advice! Before my first terrifying solo trip to Turkey the Holy Spirit had me write down on index cards many encouraging verses and they stuck with me! They are “hidden in my heart “ and so dear to me now;)
I do that sometimes too! I have a few cards that I wrote out–and one that I carried with me EVERYWHERE, even on my bedside table while I slept, Isaiah 41:10–during a 6 week cancer scare. Those cards are precious to me now.
I agree, I definitely remember things better when I write them down! And I get so much more from my time reading the Bible when I note down some key verses and reflections. I hadn’t noticed that verse before about a king being asked to copy out the law but it highlights why this practice is so important!
Yes, it does, Lesley! I’m guessing God also thought it was a powerful learning tool. Because otherwise he could have had the scribes do it for him!
Writing scripture is helpful for me too! I actually bought an inexpensive weekly planner with a spot for each day. I write down a scripture daily (lately from the YouVersion daily scripture). It is amazing how something so simple is so powerful.
I love the idea of doing right in your planner, Becky. It keeps Scripture right before your eyes!
Yes and amen to writing our conversations with God down on paper, in black and white. Yes, to scrawling Scripture across the page, to claiming it as His love letter to us, to sitting quietly in the presence of all He is.
I started journaling with Him again just recently. It was like welcoming back a depth of relationship that somehow had been eluding me.
Becky, thank you for this post.
Glad if this encouraged you, Linda. My relationship with God changes as well, sometimes I journal, sometimes I fee free to leave it aside!
Betsy, I love this practical tip to strengthen our memory of God’s Word so we can stand strong in our faith.
Yes, it really does strengthen memory, Crystal!.
Betsy, you’re so right. Writing down Scriptures helps me remember too. When something in the Word strikes me, I write it down. And sometimes it’s like God gives me a mini-Bible-study as I write. He shows me more insights. It’s kind of amazing. And then, I have those words to take me into my day. Thanks for sharing the resources for Scripture writing plans. SO helpful!
Great tip, thank you. I love to put sticky notes of my favourite verses or verses that are relevant at the time on my mirror or somewhere I can see them everyday. When it comes to reading scripture my mind works a little bit differently. I find that when I write verses I focus more on my handwriting and less on the words. Instead, I like to analyse the specific meaning of the words used and consider how the verse is applicable in my life.
That’s great that you analyze the meanings of words in the verses, Kaity. I often like to check on different translations on the YouVersion app as well. Thanks for sharing! I’ve never used sticky notes like you do, but I know lots of friends who do! I ought to get mine Post-it’s out!