The Hidden Word

“I have hidden your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you.” Psalm 119:11 NLT

When we talk about reading scripture; it is really not about reading it but rather retaining it.

The verse above illustrates that God’s word and truths of the Bible should be carried with us.

It is impossible to remember every scripture and verse word for word. But we can often recall its essence.

The more we read the bible, the more we begin to remember its messages it in our lives. In a way, the Word of God should cling to us and saturate us as we absorb it over time.

The English Standard Translation of Psalm 119:11 says I have “stored” your word in my heart. This indicates ownership and possession of it. That is I didn’t just read it…I own it, bring it with me and treasure it.

It is really a reflection of Psalm 119 as a whole. The writer of the Psalm reflects an longing and desire for God’s word and commandments. It isn’t just a will to follow them, but to be “in love” with them

“Truly, I love your commands more than gold, even the finest gold.” Psalm 119:127 NLT

You see the writer desperately wants to follow God but acknowledges the importance of knowing Him through his decrees.

“I will study your commandments and reflect on your ways. I will delight in your decrees and not forget your word. 119:15-16 NLT.

The problem is most of us want to know God but aren’t willing to accept all of his ways.

We don’t want to be in love with the word, because the word convicts us. Truthfully, some will say they don’t even “agree” with everything in the word, yet still wish to be Christian.

But the psalmist says

“keep me from lying to myself; give me the privilege of knowing your instructions. I have chosen to be faithful; I have determined to live by your regulations.” Psalm 119:29-30 NLT.

The choice to follow God means to follow his word and live by his ways. And yes, this is a challenge and we will at times fail.

Yet how many Christians are lying to themselves and just dismissing God’s word.

I’ve seen many Christians cherry pick from the scripture what they chose to accept and follow.

If only we had the desire to follow God’s word the way the psalmist does.

He writes in verses 33-36:

“33Teach me your decrees, O LORD;

I will keep them to the end.

34Give me understanding and I will obey your instructions;

I will put them into practice with all my heart.

35Make me walk along the path of your commands,

for that is where my happiness is found.

36Give me an eagerness for your laws

rather than a love for money!

And this is the posture we need to have about the word of God and towards the Father in general.

There needs to be a willingness and a passion for God’s word. One we value more than money or Gold that is kept “close to our chest”’so to speak.

The more we consume the word of God. It becomes a subconscious within us, hidden and stored. It guides us directly and indirectly through a scripture we may have read in the past and it is there in the background of our lives.

This is why the word of God is so important to faith. It is a life blood for the Christian, as important if not more than mere food and water for survival. This is exactly why Jesus told told the enemy in the wilderness

“Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God. Matthew 4:4

Oh come on now, that one wasn’t even planned in this devotional.

What we need is a renewed heart for the words and decrees of God. A passion, love, and a yearning for understanding of his ways.

And this is how we truly get closer to God.