Hiding God's Word in our Hearts

In my first quarter of college, my professor for Introduction to the English Bible told us we'd be going through the Bible three times during the ten week course. The prospect seemed formidable, and I told my granddad about my concern. "Oh, that's easy enough," he said. "Just read through it and say each word three times. Like this: In, in, in, the, the, the, beginning, beginning, beginning..." It turned out to be one of my favorite classes during my college days, as the Bible came alive for me through our study.

Each day as Dr Wilson entered the classroom he would quote a few verses of the book of James. We'd repeat it several times until we had memorized it. The next day we would review what we'd learned the day before and he'd add a few more verses. By the end of the quarter we could quote most of the book of James.

Something happens to you when you memorize scripture. When you thoughtfully take God's Word into your life and mind, it begins to transform you. The Holy Spirit applies the truth of the Word to your life, showing you God's greatness, giving your understanding, pointing out areas of need in your own life. We are told in Psalm 119:11 that hiding God's Word in our hearts helps us not to give in to sin.

When we memorize the Bible we are filling up a well from which the Spirit of God can draw when we find ourselves in need. But He can only draw from our well what we have put into it.

Memorize God's Word. Meditate on it -- that is, think about it, ponder it, explore how it applies to your own life. Because the Word of God is living and active (Hebrews 4:12) it has the power to impact your life like no other book.

Are you facing overwhelming circumstances? 2 Chronicles 20:12 shows us how to respond. "For we have no power to face this vast army that is attacking us. We do not know what to do, but our eyes are upon you."

Needing direction? "I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you and watch over you" (Psalm 32:8).

Anxious? "Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you" (1 Peter 5:7).

Discouraged because of life's difficulties? Paul tells us in 2 Corinthians 4:17 and 18, "For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal."

If God's Word is living in you, He can remind you of it just when you need it.