Pastor Bell's Words To Live By

I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you (Psalm 119:11 NIV).

heart with hinges

As we keep the words of scripture in our hearts they steer us away from danger and from doing the wrong things even for the right reasons. The psalmist knows that given the right circumstances and without the restraint of a living conscience, we will always do the wrong things.

It is our consciences that rain us in ensuring that we do the right things for the right reasons. It is for this reason and this reason alone that we are encouraged to treasure the words of the Lord so that as a result we will not sin against him.

Sin is still the big problem. It was many years ago and still is, and can simply be defined as disobedience. The problem we face as a society is this: not knowing what God requires of us, dictates that we just do not know where the lines of demarcation are. And not knowing what God say about particular conditions causes that line between sin and right living to become sullied.

It is for these reasons, i.e. having a clear picture of where the lines are, so we do not cross over them, that the psalmist informs us of the importance of keeping the words of scripture in our hearts so that we do not err. To make the word come alive we can:- sing the word; put them on the walls in your bedroom; recite them as part of your daily devotion. Take copious amount daily so that you know and understand what God has said, is saying and will say. If you treasure them in your heart, then the propensity to sin, that is to disobey them is greatly reduced.

Today’s question is: how can young person keep his way pure? Answer: By living according to the word.

Read Psalm 119:9-16.