“I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.”
— Psalm 119:11
Whatever is saved or stored in your heart will guide and direct your life. So it’s important to feed your heart with God’s Word.
Suppose your mom remarries, and when the two families are combined, you have to share your bedroom with a younger stepsister. The little girl irritates you with her nonstop chatter. Your mom begs you to be patient, and you do feel guilty when you snap at your stepsister and make her cry. Yet, you can’t gain control over your tongue. Your feelings always take over.
Then you hear at Sunday school that memorizing God’s Word can keep you from acting on those impulses. You’re doubtful, but you try it anyway. You memorize verses about the tongue: “She opens her mouth with wisdom, and on her tongue is the law of kindness” (Proverbs 31:26 NKJV). “May God, who gives this patience and encouragement, help you live in complete harmony with each other” (Romans 15:5 NLT). Gradually, things change with your stepsister. When you’re tempted to speak sharply to her, God’s Word comes up out of your heart. Then you can take a deep breath, smile, and answer in a more gentle manner. Before long, you discover that you actually like your stepsister (and yourself!) much better.
More To Explore: Psalm 37:31 and Proverbs 2:10 – 11
Girl Talk: What things are you tempted to do that you know are wrong? Have you worked to change your heart by changing what you feed your mind?
God Talk: “Lord, you know the problems I have. Help me to change my heart by storing your Word there. Amen.”
From Chick Chat by Kristi Holl