Wrote Memorization

So, it's a new year. I like to begin sentences with so. That doesn't have anything to do with my latest post, though. I just wanted you to know. Consider it a "Getting to Know Me" factoid.

An acquaintance of mine sent a request in an e-mail asking if I would be interested in memorizing Scripture over the course of the year. I really didn't have to think about it. I just said yes.

This new part of the year is a time to set goals, make plans for reaching them, and network with those who will hold you accountable. I think that for the most part my problem has been not many of my friends and family hold me accountable to do what I say I'm going to do. Perhaps I should have asked. Bygones.

What I need is an accountability group; a few willing souls to help me commit to memory the life-giving Word of God. This is what that could look like in real life:

1. Read this blog, and make comments.
2. Call me. 
3. Text me. 
4. Write me a note of encouragement, say on Facebook, for the whole world to see.
5. Send me a bouquet of flowers to freshen my environment and give me hope. 
6. Tell me when you see me that I can do this. 
7. Memorize some verses too and share them with me so that I can help you as well. 
8. Watch the videos I make on YouTube. Then click "like"...share if you so choose.
9. You think of something. I'm getting tired. I will say I like chocolate.

So, my first memory verse is Psalm 65:11 from the New Living Translation. I did just a little bit of research, not as a scholar would, but I found a few interesting things. I'll tell you about those in a moment. First, I want to share the entire verse with you.

You crown the year with a bountiful harvest; even the hard pathways overflow with abundance.

The words crown, bountiful, harvest, hard, and abundance are the ones for which I quickly sought definitions. Then I wrote it all down. Crown here is obviously a verb. So, I used the definition that fit, and that is this- to place such a prized emblem upon; to bless or adorn (found in my Bible's concordance). Strong's Exhaustive Concordance gives the Hebrew word atar, which means compass. God Almighty surrounds, as in to protect, our seasons whether that be physically or spiritually. To start, God surrounds us as protector, making our year bountiful. This is a freely given, and abundant generosity of God. It is for our benefit. It is good for us that He gives us a path to follow. That way we have boundaries- and a map. We can see where we've been, we are aware of where we are going and how to get there, and we know what will be out there for us as we are on our journey. On that pathway there are also clear signs of God's presence, provision, protection, and  pursuit of our perfection. The evidence drips onto the places we go because He is with us. If He is with us, the people we encounter will see it. They might not recognize it for what it is, but they will know it is something remarkable.

I make use of a variety of commentaries to better understand Scripture. For this verse, I was curious to know what the historical details are that shaped this in David's heart and mind. Though I was unable to find an occasion for the writing, it seems it could have been after a long drought, or simply the result of wanting to show thankfulness to God for his continued blessing. Barnes has this opinion to relay on the verse:

On the whole, the most probable meaning is that expressed in our common version, referring to the beauty and the abundant productions of the year as if they were a crown on its head...God goes, marching through the earth, fertility, beauty, abundance seems to distil or to fall gently along his path. God, in the advancing seasons, passes along through the earth, and rich abundance springs up wherever he goes.

I appreciate the idea that where God goes, there is blessing in abundance. I believe that is true in all times and in all places.

Does this verse speak to you for the coming year?