Rehearsed materials tend to stay around longer. For the final
two weeks of school, I required my middle school language arts students to
rehearse what they had learned during the year. The final exam would cover the
entire book, so I wanted to ensure they remembered all the concepts. As we
encountered new ideas along the way, I reminded them of concepts we had already
learned. By rehearsing material from previous chapters, they had a better
chance of transferring that material from their short-term to their long-term
memory. The grades revealed that some should have rehearsed a little more.
Rehearsing is essential with much of what we do. Those who
plan to sing at church rehearse. Professional singers rehearse. Playing sports
requires rehearsing before games.
Rehearsing is also a part of our Christian experience. God
told the ancient Israelites to rehearse his commands. Not only were they to
know them personally, but they were also to teach them to their children by
rehearsing them daily in every situation. Rehearsing would lead to remembering.
Rehearsing God’s Word is essential and commanded by God, but
we still have to choose to do it. God won’t force us to learn his Word. As a
child, I was required to memorize various Bible verses, along with the books of
the Bible. Children in my father’s church practiced sword drills, which
entailed a contest to see who could locate a book of the Bible quicker. But as
an adult, the choice is mine.
Rehearsing God’s Word forces us to meditate on it. What is on
our minds, we will think about often. God will bring his Word to our conscience
when it is embedded in our memory. This is beneficial when we’re tempted. God’s
Word reminds us of his requirements and his ability to help us fend off my
archenemy.
Rehearsing God’s Word also aids when we’re questioned about
what we believe and why. When his Word infiltrates our hearts, we’ll be
prepared to give an answer to the curious and to the skeptics.
Don’t let anything keep you from rehearsing God’s Word.
Father, thank you for your Word that calms my fears, lifts my
spirits, and strengthens me for any circumstances I might face.
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