Scripture to Meditate On

I have stored up your word in my heart,

that I might not sin against you. Psalm 119:11

For some of you who have been taught about the importance of Scripture memorization, this is likely a familiar verse. You were probably told that what we have here is an example of someone memorizing Scripture, an example that we are to imitate.

Memorizing Scripture is a great habit. But that's not what this verse is actually about. If it were it would say, 'I have stored up your word in my mind…' But it doesn't say that. It refers to the heart. The point of the verse is about how the Scriptures are to affect our inner life. The Scriptures are to re-make who we are on the inside, something that will show in how we live each day. Memorization can be a helpful tool with that goal in mind. But it will take more than memorization to reach the goal. It will take careful thinking about a particular Scripture followed by careful praying. And the point of the praying is that we would believe, from the depths of our heart, whatever that particular Scripture is about, and that, believing it from the heart, we would live it.

Did you notice the reason for doing this? Holiness. That's what we're aiming for when we work at not sinning against God. It is a sad fact that the pursuit of holiness has fallen on hard times these days. It's just not that important for so many Christians. That is to say, it isn't something that is worked at as a priority. And the lives of so many Christians reveal the fruit of that lack. But there are still those who work to get the Scriptures into their hearts, who work see their hearts changed, so that their lives will reflect God's holiness. God will use these saints in very powerful ways.