In Times of Trouble...
Simplifying Scripture Memorization

Men! Have you ever been frustrated, upset, in a position that you just feel like there is no up-side. Ok… and while you are there someone tells you “turn that frown upside down”, or “you will get them next time”, or even “you can’t hit if you don’t swing”. Well, I have to tell you that there are no little sayings that will change things or give you meaningful insight better than the word of God! That alone will give you hope, direction, and guidance. 
Alright, I know what you’re thinking, “Yeah, I am supposed to try and remember scripture in my ‘spare time’.” Well even if you have been a Christian for a long time, been to all the Bible studies, worked on knowing and learning the Bible, you can still just plain forget sometimes. Especially when you are going through a very hard time, it gets tough. It seems to kind of work that way, when you are in need of the right word at the right time, it just sets in the back of your mind and hides.
There will be times like these throughout your life but there are a few things you can do to simplify the process of scripture memorization:

1. Don’t over load yourself with every verse in the Bible, pick just a few.
2. As you read and study your Bible, write down key verses that are touch you personally.
3. As you build this list, read over it each day and repeat the scriptures over and over. 
4. As these scriptures start to become etched into your mind and heart begin to study the history, the people, and the background surrounding each verse.  For men, knowing history and factual details attached to scripture helps embed them into our memory.

Now you are moving in the right direction! Keep this up and in no time you will have a handful or more of scriptures that you know and can use instantaneously.
When hard times hit, and you know they will, you will not only be able to repeat the word of God but you will be covered with a shield of protection and provided a weapon to use against attacks. God’s word is that loving voice that we all need to hear in times of trouble and despair; arm yourself!  His word will give you peace in your heart, resolve your doubts, and calm your spirit.

—Jason McBride