Memory – Psalm 1.1-2 Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners; but his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night. Psalm 1.1-2
Meditation – read and understand this verse as a door that provides you entrance into the Psalter (book of Psalms). The psalms, read prayerfully with reflection, are a source of wisdom and provide a foundation for worship. They offer insight into every human condition and emotion. They will encourage your heart and challenge your mind. The Psalms are simply songs and prayers. Pray for insight and wisdom as you memorize and meditate on them.
Read these two verses (one sentence) in the context of the entire Psalm (only 6 verses). Consider how the metaphor of the tree relates to you. In the desert the roots of the tree need to run deep even by streams of water which may be seasonal. We do not need to worry about how tall we are nor how far our branches spread nor how much fruit we produce; we only need to focus on how deep our roots go in Christ. On the night Jesus was betrayed he told his disciples: Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing (John 15.4-5). Consider what the apostle Paul says in Colossians 2.6-7 Therefore, as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in him, rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving.
As you work to memorize this verse continue to meditate – think about – on the truth of it as the Holy Spirit applies it to your heart. It may be helpful to recite the "address" of the Psalm before and after reciting it (sometimes you may not be able to recall the entirety of the Psalm or you may want to direct someone to the text; so, knowing where it is located in the Bible is essential.) Remember this is not just a memory exercise but it is a means of interalizing biblical truth so that it becomes a compelling indwelling.
Read these two verses (one sentence) in the context of the entire Psalm (only 6 verses). Consider how the metaphor of the tree relates to you. In the desert the roots of the tree need to run deep even by streams of water which may be seasonal. We do not need to worry about how tall we are nor how far our branches spread nor how much fruit we produce; we only need to focus on how deep our roots go in Christ. On the night Jesus was betrayed he told his disciples: Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing (John 15.4-5). Consider what the apostle Paul says in Colossians 2.6-7 Therefore, as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in him, rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving.
As you work to memorize this verse continue to meditate – think about – on the truth of it as the Holy Spirit applies it to your heart. It may be helpful to recite the "address" of the Psalm before and after reciting it (sometimes you may not be able to recall the entirety of the Psalm or you may want to direct someone to the text; so, knowing where it is located in the Bible is essential.) Remember this is not just a memory exercise but it is a means of interalizing biblical truth so that it becomes a compelling indwelling.
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