Reading the Bible can be intimidating for some people.

Later in this series we will give you some ideas to make getting into the Bible easier.

Here is one thing you can do with the Bible today that can help you in your everyday life. Memorize a favorite scripture.

I used to have severe panic attacks; my life was altered because of them. I missed huge amounts of school, I quit several jobs and I was more or less paralyzed by anxiety. My goal became avoidance. I did everything I could to avoid the panic attacks. I tried different treatments, but nothing worked.

Then I was reminded of this scripture:

Philippians 4:6-7 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

I studied these two verses, I struggled to live them, but most of all I memorized them.

I’m not saying something magical happened and I never struggled again but this was the beginning of freedom for me.

Almost anything can reprogram our minds if we let it, the Bible promises to reprogram or renew our minds more than anything else we could ever encounter.

Today, I’m not asking you to read a certain amount every day or commit to reading through the whole Bible this year. Those are great goals. What I am asking you to do is find a scripture that you need to live out and memorize it.

You may be surprised at how often it comes to your mind when it’s needed. I promise you will be surprised at all the people that will need to hear that verse you carry with you.

Written by Tom Wise © Finding Wonder 2014