Go for the win!

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

Psalm 119:11

Do you like to play hide and seek? Maybe you always try to find the best place so no one could find you. The challenge to be the last one found was one I loved. I would work hard to find the perfect spot. Sometimes it worked, sometimes it didn’t. But you can bet I always tried.

Psalm 119:11 which is our key verse for today reads “I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.” As I read this, I am reminded of my hide and seek days as a kid. This verse challenges me. Do I see it as a challenge to hide God’s word in my heart? How do I think creatively and do all that I can to hide God’s word in my heart? When I hide God’s word in my heart, I win every single time. In what ways do I win in life? The three ways that I win when I hide God’s word in my heart are conviction, comfort, and challenge.

Conviction

Each day as I dig into God’s word, I am convicted on some level. Some days God uses His word as a little reminder and other days God uses His word to convict me. In Proverbs 16:32, we read “Better a patient person than a warrior, one with self-control than one who takes a city.” I just blew up at one of my children over something so small. Did I display self-control? Am I teaching my children how to have self-control when they are upset about something?  My goal in life is to be more like Jesus and if there is something in my character that is not lining up, I’m thankful when God calls me out on it.

Comfort

God uses His word to comfort me. I experience days where circumstances are tougher than others. It’s in these times that I lean more heavily into the Word I have hidden in my heart. The more I spend time in the Word, the more I see God’s heart for His children. God loves us so deeply and cares about everything we are going through. A few of my favorite verses that God uses to comfort me are:  ^“The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still.” – Exodus 14:14 and “The Lord is Close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” –Psalm 34:18. There are so many more verses that God uses to bring comfort. In those times, I love having God’s word in my heart to depend on.

Challenge

One more way that I win by hiding God’s word in my heart is when the Word challenges me. As I spend time in the word, I see how Jesus lived. The stories of many Bible characters who stayed standing when asked to kneel to a statue, who went against all odds and knocked down a giant with a stone, and who saved a nation by going before the King uninvited. This challenges me to be more like Jesus and have the faith of a mustard seed. I choose to stand and trust God no matter what the circumstances look like.

Win at life

You will win at life when you hide God’s word in your heart. God will use His word to challenge, comfort and convict you. Will you do your part and read His word daily? I promise that you will not be disappointed. God’s word is powerful and has stood the test of time. You can depend on it.

Heavenly Father, thank You for the gift of Your Word. Please help me to take time daily to hide Your Word in my heart. It will always be a win for me. Thank You for convicting, comforting, and challenging me with Your Word. I love You, Lord. In Jesus name, Amen.