Seek and Hide

Psalm 119:11 is one of those verses I memorized as a child. "Thy Word have I hid in mine heart that I might not sin against Thee." I memorized a lot of Scripture as a child and teen; not a bit of it kept me from sinning -- at least not that I can consciously remember. But look at this verse; there two very important aspects to consider before we can actually reap the benefit -- "that I might not sin against God."

First of all, there is the principle of hiding. Do you recall playing Hide N Seek with other children? In every group, there'd be the jokester who didn't take it seriously. He'd grow bored with the way things kept playing out, so he'd "hide" in plain sight. As the seeker was counting, the jokester would sneak up, stand right behind her, and when she would begin to search, he would stalk the seeker, walking step-for-step behind her. While it was funny watching someone challenge the way the game was played, the jokester didn't stay concealed long. He didn't take the game seriously, and it showed. Likewise, you had the uncertain ones who wouldn't commit. They remained sure-footed right where they were as the seeker began to count. They'd look one way then the next, maybe take a step or two, but never actively pursue a place to hide. Other children would gesture frantically and sometimes even whisper clues as to places to tuck away, but the child wouldn't move, time would be up, and they were instantly discovered. They hadn't the desire to do what was required to hide, and it was evident. Lastly, there was the pro. This kid would bury himself so deeply into a spot, once everyone looked for him. Eventually, with the sun setting and street lights beginning to burn, someone would call out, "Olly, Olly Oxen Free," and like Lazarus, he would come forth. The pro put in the work and was committed to the mission.

That brings us to the second consideration in the verse: God's Word hidden in my heart. I think many of us go right to the idea of memorization, and while that is vital, hiding God's Word in your heart is so much more. Empty repetition won't keep anyone from sin. In fact, Matthew 6:7 records Jesus' warning against using "vain" or empty repetitive words to pray. Vain words flow from a vain heart, a heart absent the treasure of God's character revealed through His Word. Strictly memorizing Scripture for the sake of memorizing it (for a test, to please teachers or parents, to appear pious, etc.) may have made me aware of right and wrong, and perhaps, even caused me to feel guilt or shame after I sinned; but prevent sin? No. I did not have a desire in my heart to obey; my heart was unrepentant and the words meant nothing to me. I could have just as easily been memorizing the charter of every social club in the United States -- the words were empty and my heart was hard. God's Word cannot take root in a heart of stone. Praise God, He has promised to remove our heart of stone and give us a softened heart in which His Word can take root and become effective -- effective unto strengthening us to resist temptation. He is doing that for me. It will be a lifelong process, but I need to take my portion of the process seriously -- meditate on, not simply memorize, God's Word day and night. I need to make the pursuit of God a priority, be willing to do the work that His Word might be deeply hidden in my heart, taking root and growing, that I might not sin against Him.