I will be the first to admit that it is easy to utilize earthly things in order to gain health and beauty in our lives. Think about it: We are surrounded by products and procedures that promise to lift, remove, tighten, reduce, and redefine areas from head to toe. As women, we are drawn to these products and procedures because we desire to look our best. There is nothing wrong with that; in fact, we should take care of our bodies and use the resources around us to foster health in our lives.
However, if we only utilize earthly things in order to gain health and beauty, we miss a vital step. The vital step involves connecting with God each day. Psalm 34:5 states, “Those who look to Him are radiant; their faces are never covered with shame.” (New International Version)
For just a moment, I want you to think about living a radiant life, a life that is beautiful from the inside out. No product or procedure can grant you inward beauty that is evident on the outside. This type of beauty only comes when following the living and enduring words found in God’s instruction book - the Bible.
Yes, God’s Word provides a way for you to lift, remove, tighten, reduce, and redefine unsightly areas in your life. Each day as you open your heart to God’s Word, you take a vital step to improving your health and beauty by allowing the Bible to provide you with clear direction for life.
Perhaps you read God’s Word once, twice, or even several times a week. If so, that is great; keep up the good work. However, today I want to challenge you to go to the next level in your commitment to God’s Word. I want to challenge you to memorize it!
Now, before you turn the page and find a more interesting article to read, please hear me out. Memorizing is not as hard as it seems; I share this statement based on personal experience. Over the last year, I have memorized passages of Scripture as part of my daily routine. At first, I did not want to take on the task of memorizing Scripture. I thought it would be too hard or too overwhelming.
Today, my view on scripture memory has changed. I love the benefit memorizing scripture brings into my life. You see, as I take God’s Word into my life, I am changed. I can’t help but be changed as God’s Word points out sin or spotlights areas of weak or wrong theology. As I memorize God’s Word, I am equipped and readied to face decisions, tasks, and difficult circumstances that come my way. When split second decisions are required, I draw on God’s Word, which is hidden in my heart, to guide me in His way.
So, here is the challenge. Find a passage of scripture that is meaningful to you and memorize it. Write the passage on a note card or piece of paper. Take the passage with you during your day. Look for the available two or three minutes during your day and work on your verse. You may think, “I do not have any available minutes.” Sure you do. Discipline yourself to look for the time. Often these minutes come for me as I am folding clothes, sitting in traffic, waiting to pick the boys up from school, or taking a quick break during my work day.
Once you have the passage committed to memory, quote the verse throughout your day. When you feel anxious, speak God’s Word and experience His peace. When you feel your heart wandering, challenge your focus with God’s Holy Word. When you feel confused, heartbroken, or done, allow God’s Word to recharge you as you know that He is more than enough for whatever circumstance you face. Finally, when you experience times of joy, proclaim God’s Word and know that He is good.
I want you to know that I am serious about memorizing scripture in my life. I would not bring this challenge before you if I were not. I am currently working on memorizing the book of 1 Peter. I have chapter one down - four chapters to go. The motto for my life has become “know truth, live truth, and share truth.” Step one: Know truth! As you and I know truth we will be transformed into women who radiate the beauty of Jesus Christ. We will experience beauty that is deeper than surface level. Ultimately, we will find beauty that comes by the Book.