Memorizing In Season And Out of Season

If you've been memorizing Scripture for any significant length of time, then chances are you have faced a lack of motivation at some point along the way. Perhaps you started with a zeal you thought was unquenchable, but as time went on your memory work began to feel more like a chore than an enjoyable part of your walk with God. Suddenly you found yourself dreading learning new passages of Scripture, and feeling inconvenienced when it was time to review older verses. Without even realizing it, Scripture memorization gradually became just another item on your to-do list that you were eager to check off each day. If this sounds familiar, know that you're not alone. I think every Christian will eventually encounter this obstacle, whether it be related to a commitment to Scripture memorization, or even other spiritual disciplines like general Bible study or maintaining a healthy prayer life. As with almost every spiritual trial we will face, however, what matters most is not necessarily the battle itself, but how we choose to fight it. It seems apparent that the apostle Paul was himself very familiar with discouragement, as he instructed Timothy to be faithful in his ministry "in season and out of season." There were to be times when preaching the Gospel would be easy for young Timothy, and perhaps even the popular thing to do, while on other occasions it would prove to be very difficult and costly. There would be days when his zeal for Christ was strong, and there would also be seasons of discouragement and doubt. What mattered most is that Timothy was committed enough to his faith to be obedient on the mountains as well as in the valleys of his life. Simply put, the devil doesn't want anyone memorizing Scripture. His job of tempting us to sin is made much more difficult when we're always armed with the "living and powerful" sword of the Spirit (Heb. 4:12; Eph. 6:17), and he is also aware of the potential the Word has to transform the lives of those we encounter on a daily basis. Don't be surprised, then, when memory work doesn't always seem fun and exciting. "Do not think it strange" when you face the fiery trial of a busy schedule and a lack of motivation (1 Pet. 4:12). Just remember that you have "put your hand to the plow" (Luke 9:62), and resolve to stand firm both "in season and out of season."