HIDDEN AWAY

HIDDEN AWAY

READ:
Psalm 119:9-16

Your Word I have hidden in
my heart, that I might not sin
against You.  Psalm 119:11

By the time I was born, my great-grandfather, Abram Z. Hess, had already lost his sight.  He was known for the beautiful wooden objects he had carved on a lathe-and also as someone who could quote many verses of Scripture.  He and his friend Eli would often share Scripture verses back and forth.  A bit of a competitive spirit resulted in their admission that Eli could cite more references while my grandfather could recite more verses.

Today, the family often remembers Abram as "Blind Grandpa."  His practice of memorizing Scripture became a lifeline for him when he lost his physical sight.  But why is it important that we memorize the Word of God?

Psalm 119 gives us instruction on how to follow God by hiding His Word in our hearts.  First, in this way, we arm ourselves when temptation comes (v.11; Ephesians 6:17).  Then as we meditate on His Word, we come to know Him better.  Finally, when we have His words etched in our minds, we are better able to hear His voice when He instructs and guides us.  We use those phrases of Scripture as we talk with Him, worship Him, and teach or witness to others (Colossians 3:16).

The Word of God is "living and powerful" (Hebrew 4:12).  Hide its precious words away "in [your] heart" (Psalm 119:11) where they will always be with you. -Cindy Hess Kasper

Lord, Your Word is a treasure-priceless and beyond
compare.  I'm not the best at memorizing but
I do want Your words to saturate my mind and heart.
Please use Your Word in obvious ways in my life today.
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When God's Word is hidden in our heart,
His ways will become our ways.

INSIGHT
In the Old Testament, wealth was often measured in terms of gold, silver, and precious stones.  Material possessions, a stately home, fine clothes, and many servants constituted a person's store of riches.  In today's reading, we see how personal assets are used to illustrate the value of the Word of God.  Its inspired words are likened to "all riches" (v.14).  Jesus makes a similar analogy.  The value of God's kingdom is like a pearl of great price, for which a merchant sells all he has to obtain it (Matthew 13:46).  Its exceeding value is in its promises of an eternal relationship with God.  However, true appreciation of this value is spiritual and can only be experienced through conversion and the filling of the Spirit (1 Corinthians 2:14-16).

Have a blessed day.
God Our Creator's Love Always
Unity & Peace