by Julie Anderson
I have recently been studying the importance of God’s Word and the importance of memorizing Scripture. His Word is refreshment to our souls and daily nourishment for our lives. I have been learning that feeding on God’s Word is what helps us keep his commandments, encourages us with his promises, and convicts us of our sin. God’s Word shows us where we need to grow and change to become more like Christ. Psalm 19 tells us,
The law of the Lord is perfect, reviving the soul: the testimony of the Lord is sure making wise the simple. The precepts of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart; the commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes.
I love God’s Word because it is truth.
As grandparents, we have a unique place in our grandchildren’s lives. We want to be able to influence their young hearts and minds to love Jesus and it starts with learning God’s Word when they are very young. A couple of years ago, we moved to Georgia to be able to have that influence and to be part of our grandchildren’s upbringing. We feel blessed to be a part of their lives and want to make the moments we have together count for Christ’s Kingdom.
When I was a parent to three girls, I played Scripture songs as a way to teach them God’s Word and to have fun singing at the same time. This was a great way for them to memorize Scripture and to get God’s Word into their hearts. Psalm 119:9-11 says,
How can a young man keep his way pure? By guarding it according to your Word. With my whole heart I seek you; Let me not wander from your commandments! I have stored up your Word in my heart, that I might not sin against you.
When I was babysitting for my granddaughter this past year, I began teaching her the same Scripture songs I taught my children. The album is called “Hide ‘em in your heart: Bible Memory Melodies” by Steve Green. Maybe some of you are familiar with these songs. They are fun and have catchy tunes. I find myself singing them all the time. You can even find them on Pandora or Spotify. My granddaughter is not even two yet, and she knows many of these songs already. Many of them are God’s commandments or promises, but her little heart and mind is learning these Scripture songs and has already memorized many of them. It brings me joy as her grandma to know she is learning God’s Word at such a young age.
I am also thankful for the New City Kids program where God’s Word is central to all they do. They come alongside parents, encouraging them in their role as their children’s main discipleship leaders. I have seen this first hand with my daughter and son in-law as they are teaching my granddaughter stories about Jesus and review what she learned in class on Sunday morning.
Children are never too young to learn about the love of Jesus and what is in his Word. Psalm 119 is so rich with verses about God’s Word and the importance of knowing it and believing it. If we love God’s Word, our children and grandchildren will learn to love God’s Word as well. Children learn by example and look up to their parents and grandparents. It is up to us to instill these values at an early age. Psalm 119:33 says,
Teach me, O Lord, the way of your statutes and I will keep it to the end.
You can start them, when they are young, on the path of loving God’s Word. 1 Timothy 3:16 says
All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction and for teaching in righteousness.
Scripture songs are a perfect place to start to teach your children God’s Word. Before you know it, you will be singing these songs throughout the day as well. I promise you will be encouraged by them and you will have that much more of God’s Word in your heart as well.