A number of years ago a friend of mine by the name of Ken gave me a wonderful principle that helped me with scripture memorization.  I don’t know about you, but I’ve memorized a lot of verses throughout my life.

However, a year later I might come across the verse in Bible reading, see I’d memorized it on a certain date, but not remember the verse at all!  It was frustrating; how could I remember these verses on a regular basis?

Ken taught me how to put my verses on index cards (it also works well on smart phones).  For example, I have about 5 cards in one group that are my “Daily” cards.  I’m currently trying to memorize them, and I look at them every day until I have the verse memorized.  Then that verse goes into one of 5 groups.  I have a “Monday” group, a “Tuesday” group, etc.  In that way, I go over the verse I’ve memorized at least once a week.  It only takes about five minutes, and this keeps the verses fresh in my mind and available for the Holy Spirit to use in my life at the appropriate time. 

The above 2 paragraphs teach you how to harness the Bible’s power in your life.  Now, let’s find some of that power!  I memorize all kinds of verses that are meaningful to me personally.  However, I especially look for verses that are promises from God to the believer.  I memorize them and then claim them.  God’s word never lies; it is always true . . . even in your own life!

You are going to want to find your own.  But here are some “starters” that you can begin memorizing and claiming before God.  They can help you overcome depression, fear and sin.

To help you with worry, temptation or depression:  Psalm 16:8 (NIV84) “I have set the Lord always before me. Because he is at my right hand, I will not be shaken.”

To remember that God loves you:  Lamentations 3:22–23 (NIV84) “Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. ²³ They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.”

To know you are never alone, and to know that God will bring you through your depressive episode if you trust in Him:  Psalm 34:7 (NIV84) “The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear him, and he delivers them.”

I’ll stop with these three, but know there are many, many more promises from God that are available to you.  Memorize these and then find others yourself.  As you keep them in the forefront of your mind, God will use them to help you daily.