“I have stored up your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you.” Psalm 119:11 ESV
The chances are if you have lived in the same place for a while, you have stored a lot of stuff. Sometimes we not only save our stuff but other people’s stuff. As any parent of young adults can attest. It’s also likely that some of the things you are holding onto you have only used once, or maybe even do not remember why you bought them in the first place. But among all the stuff that we have, there are those things that we use regularly. There may even be some sentimental attachment to them, maybe a gift from a loved one.
This longest chapter in the Bible is a beautiful and passionate poem of the author’s relationship with the word of God. His desire was in seeking God with his whole heart and treasuring God’s instruction so he might not sin. We do not know the state of his earthly house, he might have been storing a lot of unused items, but the author is clear about what he cherished in his spiritual home.
The question to us today, is what are we storing in our hearts? Like in our homes, in our hearts, we can also save a lot of unnecessary items, things that are infringing on our relationship with God. Where is the word of God, His promise, in our hearts? Is it a treasured possession given to us by a loved one in regular use, or is it stored on a shelf that we occasionally use? Through the study and observance of His Word, we can avoid sin and lead lives pleasing to God.
God, thank you for your word, your promise to us. In the divine scriptures, you show us hope, love, discipline, and salvation. We can also haw we are to live our lives, showing mercy, justice, charity, and compassion to others. Please help us as we read and study the scripture to store its contents in our hearts and follow its instructions. In the name of Jesus Christ, we pray. Amen.
Blessings!
Pastor Tim
