Hidden in my heart...

"I have hidden Your word in my heart, that I might not sin against You." Psalm 119:11

As I was trying to decide what to write about this morning the Lord laid this verse on my heart. I am particularly narrowing in on the word hidden. What does it mean, and why is it there?

The Hebrew word is "tsaphan", and more specifically the verb is past tense - meaning it has already happened. The definition is: to hide, treasure, treasure or store up; to hide, to lie hidden, lurk. (http://www.blueletterbible.org/lang/lexicon/lexicon.cfm?Strongs=H6845&t=KJV)

So again, what does that MEAN?! Well, two things.

First of all it means that God's Word is something of great value to you. You keep it close to you and guard it.

Second of all, it's in there. You haven't just heard it, you know it. Even if you can't quote chapter and verse you know what God's Word says. It is written upon your heart and you can draw from it over and over again. Because it is written on the tablet of your heart, the Holy Spirit can speak to you through it by bringing verses to the forefront of your mind that are relevant to your life at the moment, or that will minister to someone else. You know it well enough that you can open up God's Word and find it, and understand the context that it is given in.

"Teach me your decrees, O Lord; I will keep them to the end. Give me understanding and I will obey your instructions; I will put them into practice with all my heart. Make me walk along the path of your commands, for that is where my happiness is found. Give me an eagerness for your laws rather than a love for money! Turn my eyes from worthless things, and give me life through your word. Reassure me of your promise, made to those who fear you. Help me abandon my shameful ways; for your regulations are good. I long to obey your commandments! Renew my life with your goodness." Psalm 119:33-40