God specifically commands us to memorize His Word and keep it in our hearts.  We must diligently teach it to our children (Deuteronomy 6:6,7).  Why? Memorizing Scripture is crucial to building our relationship with God and learning to live according to His ways.  It is also the path to receiving “great peace”.

Psalm 119:165
“Those who love Your law have great peace,

And nothing causes them to stumble” (NASB).

How wonderful that God tells us how to receive great peace – by loving His Word.  We love God’s Word by following the example of the psalmist: memorizing it, speaking it, reflecting on it, praying to understand and apply it.  The Bible refers to this as “meditating” on God’s Word.

One of the most important keys to memorizing Scripture is to quiet your mind. “Quiet” means still and free from disturbance or noise.  It means tranquil and peaceful, free from turmoil, strife, or alarm.

When your mind is quiet, you can focus on God’s Word.  You can obey God’s instruction to “give attention” to His Word (Proverbs 4:20).

In our last update, we talked about how to eliminate noise “on the outside”. Find a quiet place and quiet time. Eliminate noise and distractions by turning off the phone and TV.

But how do you eliminate the “inside noise” – the constant, racing thoughts that disturb you and create roller-coaster emotions?

Check what you are allowing into your mind and heart.  What are you looking at?  What are you listening to?  What are you “meditating on”?  What are you speaking?  Does it come in line with God’s command in Proverbs 4:20-23?

Proverbs 4:20-23
“My son, give attention to my words;
Incline your ear to my sayings.
Do not let them depart from your sight;
Keep them in the midst of your heart.
For they are life to those who find them
And health to all their body.
Watch over your heart with all diligence,
For from it flow the springs of life” (NASB).

Are you willing to turn away from what you are allowing into your mind and heart?  Are you willing to turn toward God and His ways?  If so, tell God.  Ask Him to help you.  He will be faithful to help you.

We’ll look more at how to quiet your mind in our next update (sneak preview: how to eliminate worry).  In the meantime, practice meditating on one or both of the Scriptures quoted above. You will find that your mind becomes quieter.