ONE SECOND AT A TIME
HIDING GOD’S WORD IN OUR HEARTS
The psalmist shows great wisdom in writing, “I have stored up your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you” (Psalm 119:11). What he is saying is that He has memorized Scripture so that he might not fall into sin. Here’s an example. I have memorized Job 31:1 which says “I have made a covenant with my eyes; how then could I gaze at a virgin” (Job 31:1)? When I see an improper image or am tempted to look lustfully at a woman, I immediately turn my eyes away. That’s because Job 31:1 comes to mind because I have memorized that verse “that I might not sin against” God.
A LIFELONG PROCESS
Please don’t get too discouraged when you fall into sin because sanctification or growing in holiness is a lifelong process. It’s not an overnight thing. That’s not humanly possible, but think about this; if you’re struggling to overcome sin, that’s great, because those who aren’t the children of God don’t even think twice about sinning. The struggle is a great sign that you’re trying to live a holy life. That’s the Holy Spirit working in you.
CONCLUSION
Remember the next time you’re tempted that “Every time you defeat a temptation, you become more like Jesus,” and that may mean you can resist temptation, if only one second at a time; if you hide or memorize God’s Word; and realize that it’s going to be a battle that lasts all our life.