How can a young man keep his way pure? 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. (Psalm 119:9–11, NIV 1984).
My Musings – It seems odd, at first blush, that the Psalmist would use the word “hidden.” At least in the way we understand it (to put out of sight, to conceal, make difficult to find). How would that be helpful in “[keeping our] way pure” or in “not [sinning] against [God?” But like a seed “hidden” in “good soil, where it [produces] a crop—a hundred, sixty or thirty times what was sown.” (Matthew 13:8, NIV 1984).
Our heart is our “good soil” where the Word can germinate, take root, and flourish. “Seed on good soil stands for those with a noble and good heart, who hear the word, retain it, and by persevering produce a crop.” (Luke 8:15, NIV 1984). The “good soil” is to the “seed” as a “good heart” is to the “word.” It is hidden not merely so we may “retain it,” but that it may take root and multiply into our life.
My Advice – Make sure you are not just hearing, but that you are also hiding.
