“Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it.” – Joshua 1:8 (NIV)
The new year often brings the desire of a fresh start, and this can include our walk with God. Many of us long to be more consistent in reading Scripture, and we may choose a Bible reading plan with good intentions. Yet, as January moves into February, many of us may feel overwhelmed and abandon the effort. Or — we can become discouraged when reading the Bible begins to feel like something to check off a list rather than a place to connect with God and His Word.
Whether you are a regular reader or someone longing for a refresh with the Bible, the hardest part is often knowing where to start. God’s desire, though, is simple—He wants time with you, to impart wisdom and encouragement into your daily life.
It can start with one verse.
Memorizing Scripture as a Way to Connect with God
As we connect with God through the year, consider memorizing important verses that you can revisit time and again.
Memorizing Scripture is not for childhood Sunday school or highly disciplined believers. It is a lifelong investment, one that continues to bear fruit no matter our age or season of life. With God’s Word tucked into our hearts, it becomes a steady source of strength, wisdom, and comfort—ready when we need it most.
Jesus Himself reminds us that God’s Word is essential nourishment for daily life:
“Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.” (Matthew 4:4 NIV)
Scripture tells us that God’s Word provides spiritual strength and helps us resist temptation:
“I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.” (Psalm 119:11 NIV)
As we commit verses to memory, we also come to know God’s character more deeply. His faithfulness, mercy, and truth begin to shape our thoughts and responses. Scripture guides us when decisions feel unclear and anchors us when emotions run high:
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.” (Proverbs 3:5–6 NIV)
God’s Word brings encouragement and comfort in difficult moments, reshaping our minds and how we should see the world: “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” (Romans 12:2 NIV)
And when Scripture is stored in our hearts, we are better prepared to share the hope we have in Christ when opportunities arise: “Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have.” (1 Peter 3:15 NIV)
Having Scripture at recall is like spiritual fuel. It supplies truth when lies creep in, wisdom when emotions threaten to lead, and peace when circumstances feel unsettled.
Sometimes the hardest part of memorizing Scripture isn’t desire—it’s knowing where to start. Thankfully, we live in a time when helpful tools can support us in building godly habits.
Three Free Bible Memorization Apps to Get You Started
If you’re looking for a simple way to begin memorizing Scripture this year, these three apps are a great place to start. I’ve personally used each of them and can confidently recommend any one of them.
All three apps are completely free—no subscriptions, no ads, and no hidden limitations. They are highly rated, easy to use, and offer multiple Bible translations, making them accessible for beginners and seasoned Scripture readers alike.
Versify
Versify is a well-loved app with a 4.9-star rating and a wide range of helpful features. It offers multiple translations and uses interactive tools like games, flashcards, fill-in-the-blank exercises, and verbal practice to reinforce memorization. You can set reminders, track your progress, and easily revisit verses you’ve learned before. You can choose verses by topic or add your own and organize them into custom categories.
VerseLocker
Developed by Scripture Memory Fellowship, VerseLocker combines audio and visual tools to support Scripture memorization. It includes fill-in-the-blank and word-choice exercises, progress tracking, reminders, and the ability to organize verses into collections. You can download ready-made verse sets, search for specific verses, and access all major Bible translations. The app also links to Scripture Memory Fellowship’s podcast, blog, and Bible reading plans. While donations are encouraged, the app is fully usable without them.
Remember Me
Remember Me, a Swiss company, offers several memorization methods, including flashcards, first-letter prompts, fill-in-the-blank exercises, images, and audio. It also works offline and includes over 500 verse collections from churches around the world. You can add your own verses, categorize them with labels, set reminders, and track your progress. The app supports many Bible translations and languages, making it a flexible option for a wide range of users.
Of course, the best app is the one you’ll actually use. Pick one of these three, start with a single verse, and allow God’s Word to take root over time. Then, ask others to join you!
As you begin this new year, remember this: memorizing Scripture isn’t another checklist—it is a willingness to connect with our Heavenly Father.
He will meet you there.
Try Living This Out:
Consider downloading one of the mentioned apps today and exploring what it has to offer. As you decide what verses to memorize, why not start with those in this post today? It will give you a firm foundation. Refer to your Bible’s concordance to find other verses in a subject where you seek God’s wisdom and direction in your life right now.
Disclosure: Scriptures marked NIV are taken from the NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION (NIV): Scripture taken from THE HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION ®. Copyright©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™. Used by permission of Zondervan
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