I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you. Psalms 119:11 NIV
Often, when we hear the word hidden it's in the context of keeping things secret—for example, knowingly hiding something from being known. However, there's the positive connotation, meaning things we hold close. Those important memories we cherish.
While unknown, the author of Psalm 119 has traditionally been attributed to King David as a way of instructing young Solomon in the letters of the Hebrew alphabet in a spiritual context. The verse for today comes from the second letter (Beth) and teaches obedience to the word of God. It begins in verse 9, "How can a young person stay on the path of purity? By living according to your word."
The way to not sin is to understand what God holds as sin–those things opposing him. We do that by knowing what the Holy Bible says. Like all the other things we hold dear, we must keep God's holy word hidden in our hearts. We do this through spiritual discipline, individually reading the Bible, participating in a group study, and listening to the word proclaimed and expounded in worship service. Then knowing what they say, to live into their meaning. This learning is lifelong, starting with children on their parent's knees and in Sunday School until our Heavenly Father calls us home.
Father, we thank you for your word. In the pages of the Bible, we have all we need to live good and righteous lives. As we read and study your scriptures, open our ears for listening, our minds for understanding, and our hearts for obedience. Through our actions, may we openly demonstrate the word hidden in our hearts. In Christ's name, we pray. Amen.
Blessings,
Pastor Tim
