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. – TWEET IT
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
