Repetition of the Word

Text: 2 Peter 1:12
Therefore I intend to keep on reminding you of these things, though you know them already and are established in the truth that has come to you. (NRSV)

There is power in repetition.  As we hear things over and over again, they are imbedded in our memory and often come to mind in circumstances in which they are needed.

Throughout the Old Testament, we hear God telling the people of God to remember and tell the stories of the past as a reminder of the power of God that is with them.  They are to repeat the stories to their children and their children’s children.  These stories became the bedrock of their belief system and remain today the bedrock of both Jewish and Christian faith.

Spiritual growth experts tell us that there is power in memorizing scripture.  As these scripture verses are repeated in our minds or out loud, they become part of our thought process as we face challenges and joys alike.  They literally shape the way we process what is going on around us and have the power to cause us to respond to our surroundings in ways that are consistent with God’s will and God’s way.

When you face a difficulty, to where do your thoughts turn?  Do think about how your favorite T.V. or movie character might have handled such a situation?  Do you think about the reaction you would expect from one of your sports heroes?  Or do you have firmly in your mind the stories of your faith—the Word of God, so that you might respond in the ways God would have you respond, bringing glory to God and victory to your life?

Pray with me:

God of power and God of victory continue to remind me of your word in my life.  Keep my mind repeatedly focused on your word and the stories of my faith, that I might respond to all that is going on around me in ways that reflect your will and your way.  AMEN.