Hi
I often tell folks that coins are precious in Switzerland. In a country where public transit is the norm, coins are crucial for day to day travel; unless one has a monthly pass or prefers to pay with credit card. Subsequently, I try to have coins everywhere. But, unlike the squirrels and ants, I usually neglect to secure the location in my mind. From time to time therefore, I’m frantically searching for coins. Or I just succumb and use my card for the payment.
Miserliness is the other extreme. There, money is squirreled away and might be taken out occasionally for viewing. Or at least in the stereotypical presentations of the action. The money’s value lies in the accumulation and not in its continuous usage. Still not helpful in a bind.
That is NOT quite what today’s Holy Nougat invites us to. Rather, it invites intentionality …
“I have hidden your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you.” Psalms 119:11 NLT
Hiding God’s Word is more than reading from cover to cover. It is not well hidden when we have not committed it to memory for encouragement and counsel. It is important that we hold it near and dear; seeking clarification as needed; to help us in critical moments. We might find that casual reading without committing the Word is not always helpful when we need to recall a passage. And sometimes Google or an online Bible do not offer the best alternatives .
The Word of God is also intended to deepen our relationship with God. It helps us understand how others experience God and provides a reference for our experiences. We may not always see aspects in the same way; but the Word has the potential to deepen our relationship with God. Yet, many of us read, might even quote scripture well; but have failed to apply it to our lives or even strengthen our relationship with God.
Not wise.
What is the point of ‘looking at the Word’, if we don’t absorb it or get to know the Subject of the Word? For if sin is about us falling short on God’s standard; then God’s Word helps us determine what the standard is and offers ways to achieve Godly standards.
Hiding God’s Word in our hearts can also be about our relationship with Jesus; the Word of God (John 1:1). With Jesus fully established in our hearts; we filter Life through Jesus even before our hearts get activated. Isn’t that awesome?! And that may actually keep us from sin. Even some of the time.
Lord please help me to hide Your Word in my heart with intentionality – for building our relationship and to guide me along the path of righteousness. I don’t wish to be a spendthrift or a miser in the Word.
Help me internalize and apply Your Word always, both the written Word and the Word become flesh. May my life reflect the knowledge to others I pray dear Y’shua amen
In Christ’s love and grace . . .
