Day 26 — Hiding God’s Word

“How can a young man keep his way pure? By guarding it according to Your word. With all my heart I have sought You; do not let me stray from Your commandments. I have hidden Your word in my heart that I might not sin against You.”

— Psalm 119:9–11 (BSB)

Look at the question at the start of today’s verses: “How can a young man keep his way pure?” That question is for you, whether you’re a boy or a girl! How can a young person live in a way that pleases God, especially with so many temptations around?

Here’s the answer: “By guarding it according to Your word.” And then: “I have hidden Your word in my heart.”

Hiding God’s Word doesn’t mean keeping it secret from other people. It means storing it deep inside you, the way you would put a treasure in a safe place. In other words, it means memorizing it.

Why memorize the Bible? Because you won’t always have one in your hands. When you’re at a sleepover and someone suggests watching something you know you shouldn’t, you probably won’t have a Bible open. When you’re lying awake scared at night, you might not be able to look something up. But if you’ve hidden God’s Word in your heart, it’s always with you.

Jesus did this. When the devil tempted Jesus in the wilderness, Jesus didn’t argue. Every time, He answered by quoting Scripture: “It is written…” God’s Word was His weapon, and it can be yours too.

Here are some tips for memorizing:

• Pick a short verse. Start with one or two sentences.
• Say it out loud several times a day, including the reference.
• Write it down. Put it on a sticky note, your bathroom mirror or the back of your door.
• Make it a song. Lots of verses are easier to remember with a tune.
• Practice with someone. Take turns saying it to a parent or friend.

You’ve already met some great verses in this book. How many do you remember?

Think about it: When could having a Bible verse in your heart help you most?

Try this: Memorize Psalm 119:11 today: “I have hidden Your word in my heart that I might not sin against You.” Say it to someone at dinner.

Dear God, thank You for Your Word. Help me hide it in my heart, so that it’s always with me. When I am tempted, bring the right verse to my mind. With all my heart I want to know You and follow You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.