Plant His Word In Your Heart
"I seek you with all my heart; do not let me stray from your commands." -- Psalm 119:10
Did you know that Psalm 119 is the longest psalm? It's also the longest chapter in the Bible. I remember that every time I read it because it is important to read it, to study it, to meditate on its message.
Over and over again, the writer (some think it was Ezra) talks about God's laws. He repeatedly asks God to plant His Word in the writer's heart so that he can resist temptation. Yet another reason to memorize scripture -- even those of us who feel far too old to retain much of anything anymore. It makes sense though. When temptation beckons, knowing God's views can help give us the willpower to resist the satan's pull.
Of course, we must first know God's Word before we can apply it to our lives. That comes from reading and studying the Bible. Some people prefer to guess what God wants. Some people listen to what other people say and assume it must be correct. That's scary because it is so easy to be misled. It's always best to seek God's laws and directions from Him.
I love to study the Bible. Sometimes I think I'm racing to catch up with all those folks who have studied the Bible since they were children. Will I ever know all they know? Will I ever know all I need to know? Not likely. I think I'll always be learning and growing in God's Word. I hope so anyway. I don't ever want to quench my thirst for His Presence and His Voice.
My heart yearns for His Word. I want to know His Voice and feel His Presence. I want to know what to do, when. I want to act according to His Will. And I really want Him to hold my tongue every time it races ahead of my common sense. Thankfully, He is also quick to forgive and pick me up when I fall short of His Will for my life.
One of the joys of reading the psalms is knowing that others have hungered for His Word. It is understanding that no one -- except Jesus -- has led a perfect life. We all fall short and He is always willing to help us up again when we stray from His Commands. Such love He has for us. It's amazes me. It really does.
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