I’ve been away from blogging the last few weeks. I’ve begun drafting several different posts but can’t get anywhere with them. I haven’t written about the 1 Peter project because my memorization was on hold, too. I know I have to simply recommit and make memorization part of my day once again.

Truly the effort I expend on memorization is usually not much. What I mean is, it’s easier than you might think to memorize verses. Some verses are harder than others due to difficult wording or a difficult concept within the verse itself, and, therefore, the words just won’t stick in your brain. But, most of the time, simple repetition works—first reading it over and over and then reciting it over and over. Easy peasy! Before I know it, the verse is committed to memory.

So why does it seem like such a daunting task? I can think of several reasons.

Spirit vs. Flesh. My sinful nature doesn’t delight in God’s Word, so it will be pushing back on the good desire from God to hide His Word in my heart.

Laziness/Tiredness. I just plain don’t want another thing on my to-do list. Despite how relatively easy memorization is, it’s another task to check off. I want a break!

Lack of desire. I know I committed myself to memorization, but I don’t feel like it right now! I’d rather read a novel and zone out for a while instead of persevering in this task until I come around to loving it again.

I think the last thing I mentioned is revealing. Since I first started memorizing long passages of Scripture, at time I’m highly motivated and enjoy the process immensely. It either seems effortless, or excitement grows in proportion to my expanding treasure trove of verses (especially when those verses speak to my present life situation). But sometimes, it’s like it is now. Feels like a slog. Just another thing on the to-do list. My mind wants a break.

That’s normal, though, isn’t it? We go through these cycles, every single one of us. And we go through these cycles in all sorts of different areas.

What’s the antidote? Obviously, prayer is part of it, so I definitely want to ask God for renewed commitment and love for His Word. In tandem with that, the antidote is also good old perseverance. Just do it!, as the perennial slogan says. Know that the fire and desire will return, and until they do, just keep on.

So here’s me admitting I’ve lost the fire recently. And I’ve been busy and stressed, so it makes sense. But here I’m also declaring that I’m going to persevere. I’m going to make time every day to work on Scripture memorization and know that love for this task will come again.

If you’re struggling with a project, a task, a ministry, a job, whatever…I encourage you to keep on. The fire and desire will come again. Pray for it. Expect it. And just do the thing until the feelings follow. In the meantime, we are growing in patience, responsibility, perseverance, and even trust in God. We may not see the results or feel the benefits immediately, but trust that they will come.