Monday, December 21, 2015

Thoughts on Psalm 119:11

11 Your word I have hidden in my heart,
That I might not sin against You.

Some situations seem hopeless. The ravages of sin - abuse, fear, pain, addiction, selfishness, bitterness, unforgiveness - have so marred a situation or a life that any signs of hope have long ago faded away.

Sin is devastating. It’s effects are disastrous. Sometimes it can seem harmless, or even funny at a distance - as movies and media often portray it. But when a family is torn apart, it’s not funny. Sin always results in death in some form (Rom 6:23). And sometimes it gets to the point where it seems totally unresolvable - utterly hopeless.

The psalmist here claims that when the word of God is hidden - planted like a seed - in the heart, it contains the power to deliver from sin.

And that really is the first step to freedom - to believe that it is possible, and that the word of God can do it. The Bible claims that it is possible:

Whoever has been born of God does not sin, for His seed remains in him; and he cannot sin, because he has been born of God. 1 John 3:9

That’s worth reading a few times.

Let’s apply the Parable of the Sower - this is a seed: whoever has been born of God does not sin, for His seed remains in him; and he cannot sin, because he has been born of God.

This seed is good. It is the ground that determines whether or not the seed produces any fruit. But the seed contains the very life of God.

This idea of being free from sin was the central theme of Jesus’ life and why He went to the Cross - so that we could be forgiven and set free.

For this cause I was born, and for this cause I have come into the world, that I should bear witness to the truth. John 18:37

His very purpose for coming to earth was to teach us the truth - and what impact will that have on us?

And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free. John 8:32

Free from what?

Jesus answered them, “Most assuredly, I say to you, whoever commits sin is a slave of sin. Therefore if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed.John 8:34, 36

Thank God that there is hope! No matter how desperate a life or situation looks - the word of God has the answer!

It takes time for the seed to germinate, sprout, grow, and produce fruit - but when planted in good soil, it will always produce fruit.

Long lay the world in sin and error pining,
Till He appear'd and the soul felt its worth.
A thrill of hope, the weary world rejoices,
For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn.


Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

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