Memorizing God's Word is a privilege, not a duty. The benefit is all ours, but the pleasure is all His.

Memorizing God's Word honors Him. Read Psalm 119 and notice the honor the writer heaps on God and His Word.

Verse 89: "Forever, O Lord, Your word is settled in heaven."

Verse 105: "Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path."

Verse 140: "Your word is very pure; therefore, Your servant loves it."

Verse 162: "I rejoice at Your word as one who finds great treasure."

The reason the writer values God's Word so much is that He values God.

God's Word is a reflection of Himself. It is a revelation of His mind.

Memorizing Scripture is sometimes called "hiding God's word in your heart." When you do that, you are also hiding God there. Remember, God wrote only one book and you honor Him when you show respect for that Book

(the Bible) by hiding it in your heart. "Oh, how I love Your law! It is my meditation all the day" (Psalm 119:97).

Another good reason for hiding God's Word is to keep you from sin. The psalmist said it this way: "Your word have I hidden in my heart, that I might not sin against You" (Psalm 119:11). When you are tempted to sin, you need a strong defense. God has provided that defense in His Word. If you have memorized portions of God's Word, you will be ready for the Tempter. When he badgers you and tries to get you to fall into sin, you will need your arsenal of Scripture.

To memorize Scripture is to prepare yourself to answer those who challenge your faith in Christ. Not everyone may be happy that you have become a Christian. Some of your old friends may be confused and upset by the changes in you. If they come to you with questions, if they make fun of your faith, if they challenge your trust in the Saviour, you will be glad you have memorized God's Word. We should always be ready to give a gentle answer as to why we live as we do in Christ (1 Peter 3:15-16).