Why Scripture Songs?

When I was a kid, road trips were also game time. One of my favorites to play—mainly because my mom has an electric personality and can make anything fun—was the Scripture game. We all took turns quoting a verse (had to have the reference to make it count as an extra challenge!) and if, when it was your turn, you were out of verses? You were out of the game. I have a competitive streak, so I loved it!

My little brother and I would go back and forth about who got to go first. That person would be able to start the game with our shared favorite.

“John 11:35, ‘Jesus wept!'” We’d say proudly, giggling because we knew the shortest verse in the Bible.

I didn’t realize it was my mom downloading God’s Word into my little brain; I thought it was just a fun game. But when I was sobbing the night after visiting my dying grandfather in the hospital? It suddenly was very, very important that I knew John 11:35 by heart. Or, when I was fighting a panic attack in between classes in college? Thank you, Mom, that you had me memorize Philippians 4:6-7.

I would say that probably the majority of verses I have memorized word for word were memorized before I was out of middle school. Those Scripture games and songs I learned heading to elementary school stuck with me in a huge way.

As an adult, I’ve slacked on my memory verse work. It’s too easy to search up a verse based on concept, and it’s too easy to just get busy with the rush of life. Memorization takes work!

But you know what I’ve learned comes pretty naturally for me both as a kid and today? Memorizing lyrics. Put words to a melody and…BAM! It’s there in my head.

If you follow me on social media, you’ve probably noticed me doing this informal series of sharing songs that come from “Scripture so good you gotta write a song about it.” Honestly, I didn’t set out to be like, “Hmm, I should write songs with more Scripture emphasis to help memorize God’s Word!” That would be such a beautiful consequence of sharing these songs, but it wasn’t my first intention. I just wanted to share the songs I was currently writing to help encourage someone’s day with a bit of God’s truth.

Besides, we are in-put, out-put people. The songs I write are a sum of what I put into my life. If I’ve been soaking up some Scripture, squeeze the sponge and hopefully some Scripture will come out.

I just share this to remind myself—maybe you too—what Psalm 119:11 says, “I have stored up Your word in my heart that I might not sin against You.” (ESV) Are we intentionally storing up God’s Word in our heart? Even if I’m not sitting down and intentionally working on memorizing whole verses, am I putting rhythms in my life that make soaking up Scripture a natural part of my day? What am I reading? What am I watching? What music is on the aux?

In some areas, I can celebrate! Oh, yes, Lord I’m spending time in Your Word in this way. But with a clear look at the whole picture, there are still so many ways I can adjust my habits to soak up more Scripture.

(unreleased songs, samples shared on social media)