Filling Our Minds With Life - Suggested Passages

Please read Filling Our Minds with Life as an introduction to this study.

Our minds are filled with memorized words, most of which we’ve learned simply by repetition. Some of the things we memorize are worthless and some are negative. That's why it's important that we make Scripture part of our permanent memory.

Even if we find memorization difficult, it will eventually happen with time and repetition.

Below are some important verses to have in our hearts and minds. These verses shouldn't be used as superstitious chants. We need to consider the meaning of the verses we recite and memorize. When we do, we allow God's life-giving words to renew our  hearts and minds.

Examples of Good Scriptures to Memorize

1. Why not recite these verses before you go to bed or recite them with your children before tucking them in bed:

Psalm 4:8: In peace I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, LORD, make me dwell in safety.

Isaiah 26:3: You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you.

Psalm 91:1-2: Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. 2 I will say of the LORD, “He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.”

2. When feeling anxious, worried, or fearful recite these passages. Once you've memorized them, they will come to mind whenever you need them, even in the middle of the night when you wake up worried or fearful.

Philippians 4:6-7: Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Philippians 4:8: And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise. 

A good 1-minute devotion on this subject:
Singing in the Shadow - 5 Ways to Overcome Nighttime Fears

3. Before you deal with a difficult situation at work, school, or home recite these verses:

Ephesians 4:32: Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.
 
James 4:7: Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. 

1 Peter 5:8: Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.

 4. Use one of these passages to bless your meal before eating:

Psalm 107:9: Let them give thanks to the LORD for his unfailing love and his wonderful deeds for mankind, 9 for he satisfies the thirsty and fills the hungry with good things. 

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18: Rejoice always, 17 pray continually, 18 give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. 

5. Before getting into your car or starting a trip, recite these passages. You could write them on 3x5 cards and leave them in the car.

Proverbs 2:8: [God] guards the course of the just and protects the way of his faithful ones. 

Proverbs 3:6: In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight. 

Psalm 23:3: He restores my soul; He guides me in the paths of righteousness for His name's sake. 

6. Before making decisions, big or small, recite these verses: 

James 1:5: If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. 

Psalm 5:8: Lead me in the right path, O LORD, or my enemies will conquer me. Make your way plain for me to follow. 

You might also find other pertinent passages to recite in these 1-minute devotions about making decisions:
Rock, Paper, Scissors
5 Cautions When Making Decisions

7. Think of fun ways to use Scripture with your children. Here are some interesting "food Scriptures" to recite at mealtime: 

Job 6:6: Can something tasteless be eaten without salt, or is there any taste in the white of an egg?  
This verse could lead to a discussion about the life of Job and what it teaches us.
These 1-minute devotions about Job can help:
The Unshakable Bottom Line
What Did They Do to Deserve This?
Worse than Suffering

Proverbs 27:7: A person who is full refuses honey, but even bitter food tastes sweet to the hungry. 
You could encourage your children to do a "Scripture hunt" for verses about honey. This is a good way to teach older children how to use a concordance. 
Here's a 1-minute devotion about honey:
Eat the Comb

Matthew 15:11: “It's not what goes into your mouth that defiles you; you are defiled by the words that come out of your mouth." 
This verse could start a discussion about things that matter to God.
These 1-minute devotions speak about this passage:
Eating Your Words
Laws, Commands, and Errors

Here's a 1-minute devotion about several "food Scriptures":
What's On Your Menu? 

copyright, Gail Burton Purath, BiteSizeBibleStudy.com