A Delightful Treasure

“I have stored up your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you.” (Psalm 119:11, ESV)

Some time ago, I enrolled in a weekend Bible class. I enjoy digging in God’s Word, so I took the opportunity to learn a little more about prophecy and the end time. The class was small, and the students interacted easily. At one point, one of those attending asked the instructor, “What is the best translation of the Bible to use?” His answer was brief and to the point: “The one you will read.”

Sadly, Bible reading is at an all-time low these days. About fifty percent of those being surveyed said they read the Bible “at least occasionally” (U.S. statistics). For some, the only Bible they might read is projected on a screen in a Sunday morning service. Only eleven percent stated that they read God’s Word daily.  For someone who loves the Bible and considers it vital to my walk with the Lord, I find the statistics disheartening and even alarming. How can we stand in these perilous times without the power of His Word in our lives?

Psalm 119, which is the longest psalm and also the longest book of the Bible, shows us how vital the Word is to our daily walk with God. Although it will take several minutes to read it through, it is well worth the time to do so.

Verse 11, our key verse today, tells us to store or hide the Word in our hearts. According to Strong’s Concordance, the Hebrew word means to hide, treasure, or store up. When I read God’s Word, I don’t want to just read it to check off a box on my Bible reading chart. I want to hide it deep in my heart like a special treasure. That way, I will have it readily available whenever I need its wisdom and protection.

After Jesus was baptized by John, He spent forty days alone in the wilderness fasting and praying (Matthew 4:1-11). It was during that time in the wilderness that Satan challenged Jesus with three temptations. Each time he began by taunting, “If thou be the Son of God.” Each time Jesus responded, “It is written.” Jesus was able to prevail over each temptation by quoting the Word of God in response. There is power in the Word!

Why is the Word of God so important in our lives today? Here are just a few of the things Psalm 119 tells us:

(Suggestion: Read through Psalm 119 to find other ways in which the Word enriches our lives and protects us.)

Ephesians 6:11 (NKJV) instructs us to “Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.” When going into battle, it is important to be properly equipped. In addition to outfitting ourselves with the various pieces of body armor, we must also take “the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God” (verse 17). Just like Jesus in the wilderness, the Word is our weapon against the enemy’s tactics.

If we treasure the Word of God and make it a part of our daily devotion, reading it will never feel like a drudgery. The prophet Jeremiah said, “Your words were found, and I ate them, and your words became to me a joy and the delight of my heart, for I am called by your name, O Lord, God of hosts” (Jeremiah 15:16, ESV).

The Word of God will strengthen us, encourage us, and give us power to overcome any difficulties or temptations we may face during the day. Keep it in your heart.

(Thank you to all those who have left comments this week and shared their personal favorite Bible verses. I’m thankful you have found His Word to be a treasure in your life. If you have not yet shared your favorite passage, I invite you to do so now.)