Today’s Reading: Psalms 97, 119
I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you. – Psalm 119:11
The word that comes to my mind when I read this verse is “holiness”. I hide God’s word in my heart so that I can live out the holiness He is calling me to. To settle comfortably into a life of sin would be to sin against a God who loves me – who created me with a plan to live in relationship with Him. But if I choose to let my sinful nature lead the way, that sin is what separates me from God because God is holy.
It truly is the desire of my heart to experience God, to remain close to Him every day for the rest of my life. I get so frustrated with myself when I allow sinful attitudes to settle into my heart or when I speak words that I know are not from God. How can I grow stronger in my faith and more consistently reflect the holiness of God? The psalmist gives us a great answer to that question in Psalm 119:105.
HIS WORD IS A LAMP UNTO MY FEET ON THIS JOURNEY OF HOLINESS; IT IS A LIGHT UNTO MY PATH.
Help me understand the meaning of your commandments,
and I will meditate on your wonderful deeds.
I weep with sorrow; encourage me by your word.
Keep me from lying to myself; give me the privilege of knowing your instructions…
Teach me your decrees, O Lord; I will keep them to the end.
Give me understanding and I will obey your instructions;
I will put them into practice with all my heart.
Make me walk along the path of your commands, for this is where my happiness is found.
Give me an eagerness for your laws rather than a love for money!
Turn my eyes from worthless things, and give me life through your word.
Reassure me of your promise, made to those who fear you.
Help me abandon my shameful ways; for your regulations are good.
I long to obey your commandments!
Renew my life with your goodness. – Psalm 119:33-40
God’s word encourages me when I am sad.
God’s word reveals truth to me when I am trying to convince myself of what I want to be true.
God’s word reminds me of the value in God’s plan.
God’s word reassures me of His promises and I am renewed!
HIS WORD IS ALIVE AND ACTIVE IN MY LIFE TODAY.
For the word of God is alive and powerful. It is sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword, cutting between soul and spirit, between joint and marrow. It exposes our innermost thoughts and desires. – Hebrew 4:12
God has done more than just hand us His word. He continues to use His word to teach us and to give us understanding. Obedience comes from these teaching moments with God and these teaching moments create more obedience. Every day that we spend time in God’s word, we are growing stronger in our faith and living out our surrender to His holiness. We walk along the path of holiness and find happiness in following His ways.
How I delight in your commands! I love them!
I honor and love your commands.
I meditate on your decrees. – Psalm 119:47
Truly, I love your commands
more than gold, even the finest gold. – Psalm 119:127
WHEN WE FALL IN LOVE WITH HIS WORDS, WE RESPOND WITH A SONG OF COMMITMENT.
Lord, you are mine!
I promise to obey your words!
With all my heart I want your blessings.
Be merciful as you promised.
I pondered the direction of my life, and I turned to follow your laws.
I will hurry, without delay, to obey your commands.
Evil people try to drag me into sin, but I am firmly anchored to your instructions.
I rise at midnight to thank you for your just regulations.
I am a friend to anyone who fears you — anyone who obeys your commandments.
O Lord, your unfailing love fills the earth; teach me your decrees. – Psalm 119:57-64
You made me; you created me.
Now give me the sense to follow your commands…
For I have put my hope in your word…
Now let your unfailing love comfort me, just as you promised me, your servant.
Surround me with your tender mercies so I may live, for your instructions are my delight…
My eyes are straining to see your promises come true. – Psalm 119:73-77,82
Oh, how I love your instructions!
I think about them all day long.
Your commands make me wiser than my enemies, for they are my constant guide.
Yes, I have more insight…I am even wiser…
Your commandments give me understanding… – Psalm 119:97-104
Your laws are my treasure; they are my heart’s delight…
Your word is my source of hope. – Psalm 119:111,114b
Thank you for the inspiration and encouragement we daily receive from your word, Lord. Today we hide your words in our heart so that your holiness can penetrate our soul. May your Word continue to shed light on the path before us, daily forming us into the person you created us to be so that we can be set apart for your purpose and plan. Amen.