Hid!

Hid!

‭‭Psalms‬ ‭119:11‬ ‭NIV‬‬

I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.

The heart is the place for the battle. Whether I realise it or not, there is a battle for control and influence going on in every heart. Many things are fighting to leave an impression on the heart, because whatever is allowed to settle on the heart will eventually drive the pursuits and priorities of that heart. It is not a wonder, then, that Proverbs warn us to guard our hearts with all diligence, because out of these hearts flow the issues of life. When I watch lewd content, or listen to racy music which promote degenerate content, I am opening my heart to the wrong influence. What is quite unfortunate is that everything that impresses my heart will one day find expression in and through my life, unless I take active steps to correct the wrong impressions by substituting them with the right impressions. At no time is my heart free from the power of impressions; I just need to make sure that only that which is of eternal value is allowed to rest on my heart. 

The Word of God is the only thing that can leave the right impressions on my heart. The Word of God is health and life. By the Word of God, instruction, correction and inspiration to do right are available. Again, it is not enough to read the Word just for the sake of repetition but to commit it to memory and to commit to obeying what it commands. What is the use of instruction if I will not obey? Why spend time reading and studying if I will not commit to obeying it? The word used in the verse above is 'hidden'. You hide what you consider valuable, and you keep it in the safest place possible, which is your heart. If God indeed controls the heart, His Word is safe there. He will supply the grace, strength and wisdom to know what to do in every situation. He will provide guidance that will keep me from sin, because I have given His Word the power to direct my actions and decisions. It is a personal walk; nobody can take it on my behalf. Who is in charge of your heart? Know that eternity lies at the end of all the decisions that you make today. God's time of favour is here.