Memorize Scripture

Comfort in grief: 8 Bible verses to memorize

For the days after a loss. Short enough to learn one a week; each comes with a line of context.

1. Psalm 34:18

   The LORD is near to the brokenhearted; He saves the contrite in spirit.

   David, after escaping danger, on where God is found.

2. Matthew 5:4

   Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.

   The second Beatitude.

3. Psalm 147:3

   He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.

   A psalm of praise naming God as healer.

4. 2 Corinthians 1:3–4

   Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God.

   Paul's opening blessing in a letter written in hardship.

5. Revelation 21:4

   ‘He will wipe away every tear from their eyes,’ and there will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the former things have passed away.”

   John's vision of the new creation.

6. John 11:25–26

   Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in Me will live, even though he dies. And everyone who lives and believes in Me will never die. Do you believe this?”

   Jesus speaking to Martha before raising Lazarus.

7. Psalm 23:4

   Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.

   The valley verse.

8. Romans 8:38–39

   For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor principalities, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

   The closing sentence of Romans 8.

Berean Standard Bible (public domain).

How to memorize it, five minutes a day

1. One phrase at a time. Read the first phrase aloud twice. Cover it and say it. Uncover it and check every word.
2. Add the next phrase only when the first comes easily, then say the two together. Keep joining until the verse is whole.
3. Come back tomorrow and say it before you look. Rate yourself honestly: got it, needed help, or practise again.
4. Space the reviews. Each time you recall it without help, wait longer before the next review: a day, three days, a week, a month.
5. Say the whole passage once a week so the verses stay joined, not just memorized one by one.