I've started and may never stop: Internalizing Scripture
I’ve started and may never stop: Internalizing Scripture
I want to share with you a topic that has been inspiring and challenging me lately: internalizing Scripture.
In the middle of very trying personal difficulties, I turned to the free water, wine, and milk that God provides us in His word (Isaiah 55:1, 1 Peter 2:2-3). I began internalizing the New Testament’s manual for suffering, 1 Peter. Internalizing Scripture goes a step beyond traditional memorizing in that the person develops fluency in the function of the text, giving them a greater ability to translate it across languages and cultures. After nearly two months of internalizing 1 Peter, I am near the end of the book and am hooked on what I hope is a life-long habit. I’ve also developed routines to facilitate this process efficiently.
As a follower of Christ, I have experienced anew the power of God’s word to transform my life. When tested, His heart-hidden word has kept me from sinning by complaining. When near others processing difficult issues, the sword that makes the wounded whole gives me an arsenal of encouraging words to share with others in times of need. In times of prayer, 1 Peter and its related passages pour out of my heart to God. When at home, I find myself less given to brooding over the recent challenges and therefore more able to be present with my family.
As someone who supports other translators, I find that internalizing Scripture leads to much more than knowledge of the words in English. The English gives me convenient hooks for remembering more elements such as exegetical difficulties, translation challenges, and cultural and literary backgrounds related to the passage. In addition to giving me this intimate knowledge of the Bible, the skills I have acquired while gaining the ability to recite this whole book (which takes ~20 minutes) has drawn me closer to the oral population I serve. Through internalizing this much Scripture, I now share in some of the same joys and challenges as any oral Bible translator I meet.
I am so grateful for all that God has given us in His word—not just knowledge but hope, strength, and encouragement! The God-centered content of 1 Peter now permeates my mind and heart. Words of praise and thanksgiving more quickly slip off my tongue, and I am more aware of their importance because 1 Peter 2:9 rests in the back of my mind:
But you are a chosen race, a kingdom of priests, a holy nation, a people for his own, so that you may declare the excellencies of the One who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.
TL;DR
If the email was too long to read, here are the main points:
- I have internalized most of 1 Peter over the last few months.
- Knowing every word of 1 Peter in English has given me hooks for areas that are difficult in Greek.
- I may never stop internalizing Scripture on a daily basis, because it helps me follow Christ, love my family, and serve translators.
Challenge for You
We exist to glorify God. As James reminds us, how we speak about God and others sets the course of all our other actions. I encourage you to join me in this practice—if not every day, then at least as often as you can!