Treasuring God’s Word

Psalm 119:9-16
“How can a young person stay on the path of purity? By living according to your word. I seek you with all my heart; do not let me stray from your commands. I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you. Praise be to you, Lord; teach me your decrees. With my lips I recount all the laws that come from your mouth. I rejoice in following your statutes as one rejoices in great riches. I meditate on our precepts and consider your ways. I delight in your decrees; I will not neglect your word.”

     Many years ago, I had the most unexpected turn in my life that brought this New York City, Wall Street girl into a seven year career as a Pre-K teacher in Atlanta, Georgia. I started off as a substitute in the classroom of a woman that God certainly used in my life. I watched her pour the love of Jesus into the hearts of 4 year olds.  The children memorized scripture each month and whenever they were ready – they recited the verse to one of us and received the most treasured sticker! (Oh the simplicity and joy over a sticker!!). There was the day where my co-worker, Celia, was zipping up a child’s coat when the moment came and the child was ready. Afterward, Celia looked that child right in the eyes and said that we memorize His word and keep it in our hearts so when we are out on the playground and afraid we can remember His word. I watched this child’s confidence grow as she poured love and truth into him.

     This morning my devotional reading was from these verses from Psalm 119, and oh how it reminded me of that day and of HIS TRUTH. And so we remember that as we poured into our children as did many others. His word is there, alive and active and we memorize His word and keep it hidden in there like treasure to obey and draw upon.

     In the devotional this morning Tim Keller reminds and teaches that Jesus was the preeminent example of working Scripture into “our affections until they shape our loves, hopes and imagination. When he is being forsaken (Matthew 26:31) betrayed, (Matthew 26:53-56), and killed (Matthew 27:46) – he quotes scripture. His heart was so shaped by Scripture that it came to mind whenever he was in need or difficulty. ”

“Oh Father, thank you for those you have put in our path that exemplify the love of your Son. Those who have poured into us and our children. May it be today that your word dwells in us richly (Colossians 3:16). May your word hidden as treasure of our children’s hearts be ignited today in a new way as they seek You. May they remember that when they are afraid they can trust in You. (Psalm 56:3.). May they trust in your unfailing love and promises. Jesus, oh Jesus thank you for interceding. Thank you. Amen.”

Source: The Songs of Jesus by Timothy Keller