Fun Fact: Psalm 119 is the longest chapter in the Bible! In its entirety, it’s a great meditation on the importance and beauty of God’s word in nurturing our faith. I love how this section speaks to us as believers, whether we’ve been believers for ten minutes, ten years, or our whole lives.
The psalmist says, “I have hidden your word in my heart.” Is it safe in our hearts, far enough away from the clutches of sin? You might wonder how this happens exactly. Over the years, I have helped countless children in my Sunday School classes commit Bible verses to memory. Once in our heads, we can let them rest in our hearts. That way, God’s wisdom is always safe inside us, ready to nurture or empower us.
Because we’ve been focusing on God’s Word in this part of our challenge, it makes sense we’d want to know what to do with what we’re learning in Scripture. Arming ourselves with God’s Word can help us in those times we are tempted to sin. By learning what those sins are and who stands guard beside us, we are stronger.
Will we still be tempted? You bet! But having God’s Word inside us makes all the difference in helping us cope with those times of weakness. If you read a verse that really speaks to you or fits your situation, write it down. Post it somewhere you can see and let God’s Word start to seep into your soul.
To follow the psalmist’s example, we can study God’s Word and recite it out loud. How can we know what God intends for us if we don’t read the Bible? How many truths have you stumbled upon in the Bible that you never imagined were there? Don’t you wish you had encountered those “a-ha” moments earlier? Aren’t you glad to finally feel like you are understanding life better?
The psalmist turns to praise and rejoicing that God would share such truth with us. It’s better than riches! We can turn our own gratitude into joyful praise when we feel the freedom God’s promises provide. We no longer have to wonder about how to behave or respond to a situation. God’s Word gives us the answers we need.
In our praise, we can also turn to the LORD and ask him to reveal a deeper understanding. God knows we’re not ready for the whole story right away. Just like you get to know a friend bit by bit and through life experience, so is our relationship with God. The struggle is real, but God will always provide a way out in times of temptation.
1 Corinthians 10:13, Paul teaches this: “The temptations in your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you can endure.” We can’t deny that we’ll be tempted to fall back into our old habits. God often uses his word to show us the way out. Don’t forget to look.
Let’s pray. Father, you are mighty, powerful, and all-knowing. Your word is such an amazing guide to me each day. Help me to never forget your Word but spend more time listening, reflecting, and digesting each message you give. Thank you for giving me this gift. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
