Hiding God’s Word in Your Heart

09Feb09

As we talk about spiritual disciplines, God has asked us to hide His Word in our Heart.  This comes by meditating and memorizing scripture.   As a church, we value this as one of the ways we GROW in the spirit-filled life.   Our purpose is to become more and more like Jesus Christ.

The law of the LORD is perfect, reviving the soul. The statutes of the LORD are trustworthy, making wise the simple. The precepts of the LORD are right, giving joy to the heart. The commands of the LORD are radiant, giving light to the eyes. Psalm 19:7-8

 For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.  Romans 15:4

There are a lot of tools you can use to memorize scripture.  Some write a verse on an index card or a post-it-note, and place it in various places.  Or they recite it over and over again to name a few.  Please realize though, that memorizing is not a means to the end,  you need to HIDE it in your heart and  APPLY it to your life   I recall a time when I was a young athlete and struggled with my temper because I wanted to do my best.   A Christian coach gave me some practical tools and disciplines to help me.  I worked on memorizing the scriptures but now needed to apply them.   He gave me a tool to use – it was a  STAR (a visual reminder for me, so I placed a star in various places-like my shoe!)  Here it is:

S –STOP (scripture comes to your mind)

T – Think

A – Act (Will you obey the Holy Spirit or your flesh?)

R- Review (How did it work?)

There is true freedom in KNOWING God’s word.  The more we study and meditate on His Word, the closer we will GROW toward God.  If we store His Word in our heart, the more likely we will be able to use it when faced with temptation or to encourage or exhort others.  There is joy in knowing God’s word.  Hiding God’s word in your heart allows it to grow something and bear fruit.  I am encouraging you to practice these disciplines in your daily life as well as spending time alone with God. 

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