March 9
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. Psalm 119:10-11
The writer of Psalm 119 is not explicitly identified in the text, making it an anonymous psalm. It is traditionally thought to be written by King David, but some scholars provide reasons why it could be other writers like Ezra, Daniel, or Jeremiah. Although there isn’t a definitive writer of this psalm, these two verses show us the “how” of maintaining spiritual integrity. We see a transition from desire (I seek you with all my heart) to defense (that I might not sin against you). In verse 10, the writer states, “I will seek you with all my heart.” Even with a heart fully set on seeking God and following Him, the writer acknowledges how easy it is to stray from God’s commands (let me not stray from your commands). The Hebrew word used for stray is “shagah.” Its use implies making a mistake through ignorance and not a willful disobedience. The writer has a desire to be firmly planted in God’s laws and commands and not to intentionally stray from them.
Verse 11 gives us clear instruction on what spiritual discipline looks like. “I have hidden your word.” The Hebrew word used here for hidden is “tsaphan” which means to “treasure, hoard, or store away” something that is immensely valuable and priceless. A safety deposit box stores things of great value: jewelry, documents, heirlooms, rare collectibles, etc - items that are protected from theft, fire, or loss. The most valuable items - hard, costly, or impossible to replace - are secured in a safety deposit. This is what it means to “have hidden your word.” God’s word and law are of such importance and value they are treasured and stored up.
Where are God’s commands hidden? They’re hidden “in my heart.” The writer doesn’t say God’s commands are hidden in his mind where they are just facts and can be recalled easily. No, they’re hidden in his heart - the center of who he is - the core of his being. God’s commands are found deep within him and influence the way he lives and the decisions he makes. They are his heartbeat. What is the purpose of hiding God’s commands in the heart? “That I might not sin against you.” We can think of God’s commands hidden in our hearts as preventative medicine for our souls - part of our “spiritual immune system.” When trials and temptations come our way, and when struggles and weakness find their way into our lives, having the word of God hidden in our hearts will be of tremendous help. What is hidden in your heart? What do you have stored there? How will that help you when temptations, trials, struggle, and weakness come your way?
Father - I come to You with a heart that truly desires to seek You. Thank You for being a God who can be found, and that You’ve given Your Word as the way I should live. I admit that I am weak and can easily stray from Your commands. Forgive my waywardness. Gently pull me back to You. Anchor my life in Your Word. Help me to truly treasure Your Word in my heart. Help me to see the immense value found there. Thank You for loving me. In Your name we pray. Amen