Hide God’s Word in Your Heart
Tonight I decided to do something that I haven’t done in a long time – look at my blog’s Sitemeter and see who’s checked it out recently. I was surprised to see that I’ve had quite a lot of new hits despite my not updating in years. As I was clicking away on links of hits, I was astounded to see how most people found my blog. They had googled “hide God’s word in your heart” – or something to that effect – and my blog was one of the first to come up because of something else I had written. Is it a coincidence that so many hits had the same thing in mind? I think not.
The beginnings of new years are times for making resolutions and promises and goals and renewing zeal to see ambitions fulfilled. At the start of 2008 I only had one goal, one ambition, and that was to study the Scriptures well. Really well. To study them and see a change within myself just like Jonathan Edwards said in his 28th resolution. Last year, however, it was my goal to memorize Scripture. I managed to memorize (and forget :D) quite a few chapters, thanks to the help and encouragement from my great memorizing partner, Ktsia. Memorizing Scripture was a huge blessing for me, one that I shouldn’t so readily give up on.
Many times within the last year I’ve found great comfort in having verses at my finger tips, so to speak. Whenever I’m afraid, or upset, or nervous, or even way too perky, I’ve found that the nuggets of Scripture I’ve got memorized will put me in my place and help keep my eyes looking up. Anyone who knows me well will tell you that I need a lot of help with keeping my focus on the Lord.
“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.” – Hebrews 12:1 (NIV,emphasis added)
Once I’ve eliminated, with the Lord’s help, all the things that hinder and entangle me, whether it’s mindless movies, or certain novels, or anything else that doesn’t prove to be the best use of my time, and I’m left with time to twiddle my thumbs, that’s a good time to be memorizing and meditating on God’s Word. Firstly, it will keep me from sinning as Psalm 119:11 says. Secondly, it will enable me to run my race with perseverance for God’s glory. And thirdly, it will conform me to Christ. The more I learn from His word and hold in my heart, the more I will become like Him.
When I’ve run my race and crossed the finish line, I don’t want to get a good pat on the back, or a trophy, or be congratulated on all the goals I’ve accomplished throughout my lifetime. I want to hear “Well done, good and faithful servant” (Matt. 25:21). I want to see the name of Christ magnified through me. I want to live a life that reflects His. I want holiness.
New years come and go and resolutions change. But this year may we resolve to work for the One Who doesn’t change. May He be the center of our goals and ambitions now and always.
Filed under: Memorization