30 Things #23: Memorize a Chapter of the Bible

I have set out many times to memorize verses and chapters of the Bible. If you have grown up in church or been around the block a few times, you know it is something that we are called to do as believers. It's amazing how many excuses and distractions I can muster up when defending why I usually don't follow through...and if you know me and my blogging history, I am not good at follow through.

So, when I knew I was going to do this bucket list, I knew that I wanted AND NEEDED an excuse to DO it instead of not do it! I spent much of the winter reading through the Psalms and when I reached this particular Psalm, something about it jumped at me--saying "YES, this needs to be in your heart, in your very being...this needs to be part of you."

Not only that, but I really loved the idea of moving through this 30th year of embracing my life with a heart and mind filled with praise, belief, trust, and proclamation of who God is and who he is in me.  What I LOVE about this psalm is that is both proclaims HIS praise while also preaching to my heart the truth of his goodness that I DAILY need to hear. I am weak and doubting so often. This is the "renewing" that my mind needs. It is the anthem of my spirit to my flesh, especially when the flesh is faltering. 

(Not to mention...memorizing a psalm seems a little less daunting than a chapter in Romans or something. That will have to be up next ha)

It's taken a bit of time, but I did it! I have written it below from memory (it's NIV). And I plan to continue to meditate on David's words for the rest of the year to come. I hope you will read every word and I pray it speaks to your heart as it has mine.

Psalm 145

a psalm of praise. of David.

I will exalt you my God, the King;

I will praise your name for ever and ever.

Everyday I will praise you 

and extol your name for ever and ever

Great is the Lord and most worthy of praise;

his greatness no one can fathom.

One generation will commend your works to another;

they will tell of your might acts.

They will speak of the glorious splendor of your majesty,

and I will meditate on your wonderful works.

They will tell of the power of your awesome works,

and I will proclaim your great deeds.

They will celebrate your abundant goodness

and joyfully sing of your righteousness.

The Lord is gracious and compassionate,

Slow to answer and rich in love.

The Lord is good to all; 

he has compassion on all he has made.

All you have made will praise you, Oh Lord;

your saints will extol you. 

They will tell of the glory of your kingdom

and speak of your might,

so that all men may know of your mighty acts

and the glorious splendor of your kingdom.

Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom,

and your dominion endures through all generations. 

The Lord is faithful to all his promises

and loving toward all he has made.

The Lord upholds all those who fall,

he lifts up all who are bowed down.

The eyes of all look to you,

and you give them their food at the proper time.

You open your hand 

and satisfy the desires of every living thing.

The Lord is righteous in all is ways

and loving toward all he has made. 

The Lord is near to all who call on him,

to all who call on him in truth.

He fulfills the desires of those who fear him,

he hears their cry and saves them.

The Lord watches over those who love him,

but all the wicked he will destroy.

My mouth will speak in praise of the Lord.

Let every creature praise his Holy Name for ever and ever.

AMEN!