I have hidden your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you. (Psalm 119:11)

Read: Ezekiel 42:1-43:27, James 5:1-20, Psalm 119:1-16, Proverbs 28:6-7

Relate: The word “hidden” in Hebrew is tsaphan. It can mean to conceal in the sense of having something too valuable for common use (Job 10:13), something to treasure that is of great worth (Proverbs 10:14), or something to store up, to build up something over time like grain in a silo (Hosea 13:12). When speaking of the Bible, all three types of definition fit well. The Bible is far too precious to be used as a beating stick. To use my knowledge of the Bible to belittle or degrade others is a sin. Bible bashing only drives others away from the God I claim to serve. The Bible is also something of great worth. It is a love letter from my fiance’. It is my marching orders from the Supreme Commander. It is an instruction manual for how I can put my life back together. It is the promise of a better future. The Bible is also something whose constant use builds over time. It is my daily bread being stored away against times of hunger. It is a solid foundation I can build upon day by day, brick by brick.

React: Instead of talking about how we should all be diligent daily in both reading and memorizing the Bible, I figured perhaps it’s time I lead by example…

Your turn…

Respond: 

God, help me to conceal your word in my heart. Help me not to use it to abuse Your loved ones. Help me to use it as a weapon against Your enemies, not my antagonists. Help me also to treasure Your Word. Help it to be something I love and long to come back to again and again, not a chore that I have to tick off my daily checklist. Most of all help me to store up Your Word. Help me not to rest on past accomplishments but to daily, regularly, store it up inside of me. Give me this day, my daily bread.