Write It Down! Why I Started Writing Out Scripture

After many years of trying to recall and reference Bible verses I’d previously read, I’d nearly given up. I often remembered, vaguely, something I learned from scripture, like being “slow to speak” (James 1:19) or that God is always with us and we can not hide from Him (Jeremiah 23:23-24 and Psalm 139:7-8). And though I remembered these things, I wasn’t exactly sure where I’d heard it. If I was sure I read that tidbit in the Bible, I wasn’t sure who said it or in what context it was said.

The Lord does not command us to memorize the Bible or know exactly where specific verses are within the Bible. This is not God’s expectation of us and it shouldn’t be an expectation we have of ourselves. However, we must be in the Word if we want the Word in our hearts.

What Resonates with Me?

In 2012, I started a scripture writing notebook. Any verse that resonated with me or verses I chose to meditate on for a clearer understanding, I wrote in that notebook. There are times I look through these scriptures to reflect, but most often I am trying to recall a verse that I know I wrote in my notebook. It’s much easier to find in a notebook, than searching the entire Bible.

I found some verses I have copied into my notebook several times, because they spoke to me more than once and in different seasons of my life. One of those scriptures is 2 Timothy 3:16-17, which says “All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work.” Last time I checked, I noticed it was written three separate times, in three different translations, in my most current scripture writing notebook.

When Memorizing Scripture

In Proverbs 7:1-3 NLT, it states “Follow my advice, my son; always treasure my commands. Obey my commands and live! Guard my instructions as you guard your own eyes. Tie them on your fingers as a reminder. Write them deep within your heart.”

The truth is, if I cannot recall scripture, I will have a tough time writing them in my heart. I personally enjoy the process of memorizing scripture, though I know it feels like a chore to some. This is why I suggest finding creative ways to write them. Whether you write with colored pens, draw doodles around the scripture, use stickers and stamps, or highlight key words, working through the process creatively can truly change your entire outlook.

Plus, we’ve all heard it said, if we write something down by hand, we’re more likely to remember it. Experts can’t agree on this point, but I can tell you it works for me.

 What About Bible Journaling and Faith Art?

You didn’t think I would leave out the benefits of writing down scripture when you’re being creative, did you? After all, creatively praising Him and learning His Word is what we’re all about.

I plan out  many of the Bible pages I journal ahead of time. If I’m not creating with song lyrics or a prayer or something similar, I like to sketch something out in an idea book I carry. Once I’ve committed to a verse, whether it’s from a sermon or bible study, I begin working with it.

Often, I study that portion of scripture and decide what the keywords are and brainstorm how and what to illustrate. During this process I am fully focused on the verse, meditating on every word.

Finishing Touch…

We are not commanded to write down God’s Word on paper. We are told to write it in our hearts. Scripture writing is an important part of that process for me.

It is such an immense help to have one place where I keep these verses and can easily look back on them. My scripture writing notebook is a treasure trove of ideas that assist me in creating for the Creator. Not only that, but it helps me write it within my heart, so I can pull it out whenever I or someone else needs it.

 

NOTE: If you read No Room For A War Room? What About A War Binder?!, you’ll see I recently incorporated scripture writing into one of my binder sections.