Thy Word

Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee (Psalms 119:11).

What is said here carries the idea of treasuring the Word in your heart. It is more precious than anything is, and the Psalmist lays it up, as other translations render the thought. He stores it as a valuable commodity.

He stores it up to the end that it protects him from sin. When the Word is etched on the heart, it becomes hostile to sin. Sin is recognized and forsaken as the detestable thing it is. The mind and soul are made aware of sin’s destructive power, and the heart longing to please God, resists its influence in favor of love.

Now reason with me. If laying up the Word of God is the means to a more obedient life, why is it so neglected?

Surely, no one who is sick, knowing a cure for his illness is there for the taking, would resist being made well. Yet many Christians admittedly neglect even a few minutes of daily reading and meditation.

One might find a number of reasons why believers don’t do the things they should, but ultimately doesn’t the foundational reason have to be contentment in their current condition? Many are willing to complain about their lack of spiritual power, but few ever do anything about it. Doesn’t that mean they are willing to live that way?

That doesn’t mean they want to be slothful; or like experiencing the consequences of that sloth; but as it is written, “The lazy [man] buries his hand in the bowl; It wearies him to bring it back to his mouth” (Proverbs 26:15 NKJV). He is wiser in his own eyes Than seven men who can answer sensibly (Proverbs 26:16 NKJV).

In other words, even though his hand is buried in life-sustaining food, he won’t do even what it takes to bring it back to his mouth; and when asked about his foolishness, he convinces himself his sloth is justified or unavoidable.

My dear friends, even if it wearies you to take action, you must begin to feed upon the Word of God. Lay it up; treasure it in your heart. Will you love your sin more than you love God? The cure for a careless heart is familiarity with God’s Word. Listen, in the process of storing God’s Word in your heart, you will find an intimate relationship with the Father. This is what you desire isn’t it?

Don’t you long to have fellowship with God? Well sin separates, but God has provided a cure. He has given us His Word upon a cross, and recorded it for our spiritual provision. Take your hand and lift it to your mouth. Don’t be content to live a life of mediocrity. Amen?