How can a young (woman) keep (her) way pure? By living according to your word.

I seek you with all my heart; Do not let me stray from your commands. I have hidden your  word in my heart that I might not sin against you… I meditate on your precepts and consider your ways. I delight in your decrees; I will not neglect your word.

Psalm 119:11, 15-16

If we are serious about our goal of becoming a capable, dignified, virtuous woman of noble character, we will have to do more than casually read the Bible.  We have to meditate on it so it seeps deep down into the fiber of our being.  If we want to be women who can stand firm in the face of Satan’s onslaught of temptations, then we need the Word of God on our lips.  The Bible says, “Out of the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks”(Matt. 12:34).  That’s why we meditate on the Word and store it in our heart, so that it can flow from our mouth when we need it.

When Satan tempted Jesus in the wilderness (Matt. 4:1-11), Jesus responded with confidence.  He knew exactly what God’s Word said an he used it as a weapon. We need to learn to do the same.  When Satan says something to you, you need to open your mouth and say to the devil; “You’ve got it wrong!  This is what the Bible says! “Don’t be duped Iike Eve, who feel for Satan’s oldest line: “Did God really yes?” (Gen. 3:1).  Remember, Satan is the father of lies.  The only way to cut through his lies is with the truth.  Jesus said, “You shall know the truth, and the truth will set you free” (John 8:32).  Memorizing Scripture also helps keep our thoughts pure.When we fill our mind with scripture, there’s less room for all the other junk we usually have hanging around up there.

Unfortunately, New Age gurus and Eastern mystics have given meditation a bad name.  When we think of meditation, we think of chanting “ummmmmmm” with our legs crossed, trying to drive away bad karma.  Nevertheless, meditation is an important tool for our transformation.  We need to take back meditation!  It was God’s idea and his gift to us as his children.

This 21 Day Jumpstart incorporates Scripture memorization as a tool for meditation.  Let me encourage you to go beyond rote memorization to genuine meditation. Take time to think about what you are memorizing, to pray over the words even as you say them over and over again in your head.  Ask the Holy Spirit to teach you the meaning and application of each word, and let his instruction begin to transform who you are and how you live.

Practical

Type or write out scriptures, place them in your note app or notebook, and carry them with you  wherever you go. Spend an extra fifteen to thirty minutes writing out the verse on index cards and/or Post-it notes.  Place these around the house, in your car, anywhere you might have a few extra minutes to review your Scripture memory verse.