My friend, Julie, confessed during her talk at the re:garding HIM women’s conference this past weekend that she has O.I.D.–“Organizational Item Disorder”. It is a made-up disorder, but if you adore storage containers and other organizational devices, then you, too, may be struggling with it! Even if you’re not a neat-freak, we all have one thing that we do need to carefully store: God’s Word.
While reviewing AWANA memory verses with my son, I wanted to reinforce to him the reason for memorizing scripture. I asked him,
“So, we store God’s word in our hearts so we can know more than all the other kids?”
“We store God’s word in our hearts so we can finish the AWANA book?”
“We store God’s word in our hearts so we can win the biggest trophy?”
Of course he said, “No! We store God’s word in our hearts so we might not sin against Him!” (Psalm 119:11)
Obviously we know this to be true. But, often our motives can get all befuddled sometimes. We can begin using God’s word for all sorts of reasons besides sinning against Him. It can be a challenge to overcome our sinful flesh when we want to use God’s word for pursuing holiness, but we end up feeling self-righteous about our goodness. Or when we want to help another see his sin, but we end up beating him with the Word of God rather than, in love, pointing out God’s truths and trusting the Holy Spirit to change hearts.
All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work. 2 Timothy 3: 16-17
As we read God’s word, meditate on it, apply it and share it, may we ask God to examine our hearts and cleanse us from any sin and unrighteousness. That is the benefit of storing God’s word in our hearts! It does that powerful work, more powerful than any piercing sword, in us as it discerns our thoughts and heart’s intents. This work is what helps us to not sin against God. Knowing Him more and more benefits us, guards us and provides a way out of sin. Storing God’s word in my heart gives me the knowledge that He is good and works all things out for the good of those who love Him, so when I am prone to worry and fear (sin, in other words) I can remember God’s word and not sin against Him. That’s knowledge put into action; that’s wisdom! I could go on and on about how knowing God more helps us to fight sin more. His word is priceless and I am grateful for it. I pray we would all hunger and thirst for His righteousness and love Him in greater ways.
So, go…store God’s word in your heart. Be diligent in this! Even when it seems difficult or dry, do it anyway. Obedience always brings about great blessings.
Love, Wendy
