I have treasured your word in my heart
Psalm 119:11 CSB
so that I may not sin against you.
Psalm 119 is filled with praise for God’s word. Over and over, the psalmist extols the virtue of the law, God’s instruction to us. And this verse is no exception.
He says that he has treasured God’s word in his heart. It is something of great value that he holds dear. What we treasure in our hearts is what we place value on. If I treasure something, I will think often about it. And that is what the psalmist is saying here. God’s word is ever on his mind. He thinks about it often. And not just holding the Bible itself as being precious, but what it contains. It is the teachings of the Bible, God’s message, or instruction, to us that is precious, not the physical object itself.
The psalmist dwells on God’s word to him, making it a part of his life. Wherever he goes, he takes that instruction with him. Unlike many people today, the psalmist does not see God’s word as something that tells him what he cannot do. Rather it is something that will guide him through life. A road map that will enable a successful life.
And, in particular, it will allow him not to sin against God. Those who love God will look for ways to honor and please him. And we do that by living in obedience to him. He knows what is best for us. And his instruction to us in his word guides us into that ‘best’. To sin against God is essentially telling him that I know better about what is best for me, pursuing my own desires rather than his.
I discovered early in my walk with Christ that when I had God’s word memorized, it became much more a part of me. When temptation came, God’s response, through his word, would come to mind, giving me direction. Unfortunately, I did not always follow that guidance, but it was there. Treasure God’s word. Hide it in your heart. Allow it to fill every part of your life. It will enable you to live a faithful life of obedience to God.
Hello from South Carolina!
Found this quite by accident while searching for scriptures on God’s Word being a treasure.
This devotional will be absolutely perfect to go along with a sharing time with a group of women this evening! My talk will be on “Treasures” and His word being a treasure.
Thank you for sharing this!
His ~ Ruthie
I am glad you found it, and found it useful. Blessing to you and the group you share with.