Hide It in Your Heart

9 How can a young person stay pure?
By obeying your word.
10 I have tried hard to find you—
don’t let me wander from your commands.
11 I have hidden your word in my heart,
that I might not sin against you.
12 I praise you, O Lord;
teach me your decrees.
13 I have recited aloud
all the regulations you have given us.
14 I have rejoiced in your laws
as much as in riches.
15 I will study your commandments
and reflect on your ways.
16 I will delight in your decrees
and not forget your word.

For an extra challenge as we look at Psalm 119, we might try memorizing this psalm. Many Christians have memorized Psalm 119, including the French philosopher Blaise Pascal, the British abolitionist Wilbur Wilberforce, and the British missionary David Livingstone.

What might be the purpose of memorizing passages from the Bible? In the section we are focusing on today, the psalmist urges us to read, to ponder, and to store up God’s Word in our hearts so that we know God more deeply and strive to please him with our thoughts, words, and deeds.

The benefits are beyond measure. Meditating deeply on God’s Word increases our joy. People who aim to live by God’s Word have praise on their lips and joyful delight in their hearts. Through nurturing God’s Word in our hearts, our passion to please God will grow. And our lives will grow more pleasing to God as we seek to live by every word that comes from his mouth.

Whether or not you take up the challenge to memorize Psalm 119, take the psalmist’s advice to store up God’s Word in your heart. As you do, your joy will grow as you learn God’s will and strive to please him more and more.

Lord, help us to seek you with all our heart, and do not let us stray from your commands. Amen.