5 Reasons Why Gen Z, for their Mental Health, Should Memorize Scripture

Neurological and Spiritual Benefits

Photo by Tim Wildsmith on Unsplash

Memorizing scripture has fallen on hard times. 

There is the critique of educational systems—that it’s just plain mean to make kids memorize historical facts and mathematical figures.

And there is the critique of discipleship methods—that we’ve been too focused on what we know about God and need to shift to how we feel about God.

But what if memorizing scripture—with its neurological and spiritual benefits—was a key antidote to the mental health crisis that Gen Z is in? (follow the brilliant Jonathan Haidt about this crisis)

5 Reasons Why Gen Z, for their Mental Health, Should Memorize Scripture

1) Injecting a Gospel Thought Virus into the Mental Hardware

Memorizing and meditating on the truths of God's love, grace, kindness, and compassion can counteract the messages that cause shame, guilt, fear, anxiety, and depression (spiritual reason. 

2) Half a Beat of Time Before Temptation

Having scripture on the mind might help during times of testing and temptation (just as it did for Jesus when he faced temptation—Matthew 4:1-11) (spiritual reason).  

3) Stress Reduction as Mindful Practice

Beyond the specific spiritual content of the passage, the work of memorizing Scripture and regularly recalling it can help individuals take their minds off worries and anxieties, leading to reduced stress levels (neurological reason). 

4) Boosting Confidence

Successfully memorizing information, whether it's poetry, scriptures, or other content, can boost an individual's confidence and self-esteem. Accomplishing memorization goals provides a sense of achievement, leading to a positive impact on mental well-being (neurological reason).

5) Improved Focus and Concentration

Memorization requires sustained focus and concentration. Regularly engaging in memorization exercises can help individuals improve their ability to concentrate on tasks, leading to increased productivity and a sense of accomplishment (neurological reason).

WHAT WOULD YOU ADD TO THIS?

Where to Start?

• There are many apps. I use Verses (not affiliate link).

• The Navigators have a tried and true system. 

And check out these verses on God's love: 

• "Even though I walk through the darkest valley I will fear no evil, for you are with me." (Psalm 23:4)

• “See what kind of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God; and so we are.” (1 John 3:1a)

• "Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you." (Psalm 55:22)

• "Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever." (Psalm 136:1)

• “For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 8:38-39)