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"How can a young man keep his way pure? By living according to your word. I seek you with all my heart; do not let me stray from your commands. I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you." (Psalm 119:9-11 NIV)
When we moved in the Spring, one of our priorities was the construction of a hay barn on our new property: a place, where feed for our livestock could be kept dry while also allowing fresh air to circulate. Hay that is not protected and does not have good air circulation becomes moldy and inedible, which can lead to hunger or even starvation if it cannot be replaced throughout the winter.
As I was thinking on these things, while I was out feeding the animals, these thoughts occurred to me: how do I protect the spiritual nourishment of God’s word within my heart? How do I store it in this earthly temple or barn of mine, so that its’ wisdom is readily available, within my heart and mind in order to feed me, in the righteous ways of the Lord, day by day?
Today’s scripture reading begins to give us some answers to these pertinent questions. The Psalmist first states that he puts Gods’ word into action within his life. He doesn’t just read them; he practices them by living them continually and diligently. Practice teaches us that Gods’ word never fails, it is always right and true and for our good. Such experiences and repetition have the power to write their truth upon our minds with the indelible ink of Gods’ faithfulness. A faithfulness through His word that is forever there within us to draw upon as needed.
He also hides Scripture within his heart. In other words, he reads it, writes it, or speaks it aloud, often enough, that he remembers it. Once again, the habit of practice is being applied. The word thus becomes a part of him. It is storing itself up for future nourishment, especially amidst the seasons of winter we all experience from time to time.
These verses, also reveal something else vitally important: the Psalmist puts his relationship with God, first in his life. God is number One. It’s about what God wants, not about what he wants. This in turn grants the Holy Spirit the freedom and power to not only motivate him to know God better, by studying the Scriptures, but also to circulate the wisdom and truth of those words throughout his heart and mind. Words which then overflow into all of his decisions, as well as to all those, around him. Words that can do the same for us, as we too practice the protection of God’s word within us.
Prayer: Father God thank You for Your word. May we like the psalmist, practice good habits that empower us to protect and store your word within our hearts and minds that we too, might not sin against You. In Christ’s name we pray. Amen.
Lynne Phipps
Tawatinaw, Alberta, Canada
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