Our scripture this morning is Psalms 119:9-16.
How can a young person stay on the path of purity? By living according to your word. I seek you with all my heart; do not let me stray from your commands. I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you. Praise be to you, Lord; teach me your decrees. With my lips I recount all the laws that come from your mouth. I rejoice in following your statutes as one rejoices in great riches. I meditate on your precepts and consider your ways. I delight in your decrees; I will not neglect your word.
This passage teaches how important it is to be connected to God through His word. The psalmist tells us “I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you”. Making His word part of us and using it correctly helps us to know His plan for us. It is a tool in the fight against evil.
While it is important that we know God’s word, it is essential that we live by His word. In Matthew 4:6 we hear Satan quote Psalm 91 in an attempt to lure Jesus into sin. Even the enemy knows scripture but that is obviously not enough. We must know the Lord and His love, not just repeat the phrases.
Spending time in the word alone can’t save us. Memorizing verses but failing to live by them doesn’t bring us closer to God. Like any other tool, it can be used incorrectly, harming both the user and those around them. We are called to be the living representatives of our Heavenly Father, knowing His word, making it part of us, and sharing it with all the world.
Gracious God, You speak to us through the scriptures and prayer. Help us to hear Your word and bring the Good News to everyone. Amen.
