This week I’m highlighting several weapons in the war against fear. They’re not physical weapons, but spiritual weapons.

Some people are afraid of getting sick, or a loss of income, or the unknown… the list goes on.

Yesterday I wrote about the weapon of prayer. [If you missed it click here.]

Today is about memorizing and meditating on Scripture. Let me explain why I consider that a weapon.

In the Bible, Joshua was told to “meditate” on the “Book of the Law… so that you may be careful to do everything written in it” (Joshua 1:8). In Psalm 119, the psalmist frequently spoke of meditating on Scripture, as in verse 15: “I will meditate on your precepts and fix my eyes on your ways.”

This can be done through reading, but also through memorization. It’s about pondering, thinking deeply, and internalizing. It’s embedding God’s word in your mind with the goal of filling yourself with a more intimate knowledge of his word and wisdom.

Why does this make a difference? Because fear feeds on forgetfulness about God.

When you’re feeling unsure, fear sees an opening and pounces. He wants you to forget who God is, how good God is, and the powerful things God can do.

But if you’ve embedded God’s word and wisdom into your mind, you can recall it at a moment’s notice and preach fear back down to size!

Imagine awaiting test results, or that you’re about to go into one of those huge M.R.I. machines. Fear sees an opening and pounces. But you recognize what is going on and beat it back with Psalm 23:4: “Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me…”

Or what if you start to doubt your purpose. Or what if you’re susceptible to criticizing lies about who you are and what you can accomplish in life. But you recognize what is going on and beat it back with Ephesians 2:10: “For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works…”

If you think memorization is intimidating start small. One verse per week, and build from there. [And if you want to watch a YouTube video about how to memorize a Bible passage click on the link below.] Look up some powerful Bible verses and write them down in a special place to memorize.

Fear feeds on forgetfulness about God.

So don’t forget.

Embed God’s word in your mind and heart to preach fear back down to size.

By Matthew Ruttan

–“How to memorize a Bible passage.” That’s a YouTube video I made a few months back. Click here to watch.
–“Your weapons in the war against fear.” Today’s devotional is related to my most recent sermon. Click here to access YouTube or audio-only download options.
–Bible quotes are from the NIV.