Psalm 119:9–11: How can a young man cleanse his way? By taking heed according to Your word. With my whole heart I have sought You; Let me not wander from Your commands! Your word I have hidden in my heart, that I might not sin against You.
Experiencing Jesus in the Psalms
Many people believe that this verse only means that Scripture should be memorized. I think memorizing God’s Word is a wonderful thing, but some of the meanest little brats I have seen in Sunday school were the ones who could stand up and quote one hundred verses of Scripture. When the psalmist wrote, “Thy word have I hid in mine heart,” I think he meant, “I obey it.” I’m in favor of Scripture memorization programs—but we also need to obey the Word. That is what the psalmist means. 1
Living the Transformed Life
Receive, please instruction from His mouth, lay up His words in your heart. Job 22:22
- I will start hiding His word in my heart…because I want to know and do His will.
Psalm 40:8 – I delight to do Your will, O my God, And Your law is within my heart.”
- I will start hiding His word in my heart…because I want to be free from fear.
Isaiah 51:7 – Listen to Me, you who know righteousness, You people in whose heart is My law: Do not fear the reproach of men, nor be afraid of their insults.
- I will start hiding His word in my heart…because I want His joy to fill my heart.
Jeremiah 15:16 – Your words were found, and I ate them, and Your word was to me the joy and rejoicing of my heart; For I am called by Your name, O Lord God of hosts.
When His word occupies your heart, your heart will be occupied with Him.
Praise and Prayer
Thank You, Father, for giving us the treasury of Your life-giving Word. Dear Jesus, please teach me to memorize Your Word, and to obey Your Word.
1. McGee, J. V. (1991). Thru the Bible commentary: Poetry (Psalms 90-150) (electronic ed., Vol. 19, p. 100). Nashville.