Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – God’s Word – Living According To Your Word – Psalm 119:9-11 – Growing As Disciples
How can a young man keep his way pure? By living according to your word. I seek you with all my heart; do not let me stray from your commands. I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you. Psalm 119:9-11
Guard and Guide
Would you like me to guard and protect your life? Yes, I certainly would. What if my protection cost you something, would you be willing to pay the price? What if my protection required your effort to participate in it, would you join in? I’m not sure that I understand. Very well, I would be happy to explain it to you. If you want me to guard and protect your life you will need to make use of the protection that I will freely give to you. I thought you said this would cost me something. I did and it will. Up to this point you have left my word sitting on your coffee table, in the back seat of the car, and even in your hand. It has been everywhere but where it needs to be. Where is that?
I want you to think of my word as being more valuable than silver or gold. I do. Oh really, I don’t think so. Why do you say that? Think of your heart and mind as if it were a bank account. In times of great need, how much of my word is in your heart and mind account to draw on? I’m not sure what you mean. Let’s say that you are under a lot of pressure and you’re about to explode with anger and say something you will really regret. I’ve done that. How much? A lot, I guess. Do you want to be able to be free of that behavior? Yes, I do. What from my word is in your heart that speaks out against angry outbursts? Nothing, I suppose. There is your problem.
Think of my word as a sword that will fight in you, with you and for you. It will win the battles in your heart and mind and help you to stand against evil in the world. Let’s say that you are having a battle with lust. I have and I do. I know. I’ve seen how defeated and discouraged you have been over this. I want you to be set free. Two things need to happen. What’s that? You need to remove all sources of temptation and take hold of my word. In the battle against lust, my word is the sword that the Holy Spirit will use to fight in, with, and for you. So, how much of a sword have you placed in His hand? Not much, I guess. There is your problem.
Think of my word as food that you can store up to feed on and be nourished by. If you feast on my word, you will be strong and able to follow me as you withstand the temptations of this life. Are you hungry for my word? Yes, I am. Then feed on it. Store it up in your heart. Let my word be a sword in your hand. It is my word that will guard, guide, and protect your life.
Lord, thank you for transforming my mind and guarding my heart with your word. You have given me new thoughts to think and feelings to feel. I delight to seek you with all my heart. Guard my life with your word as I follow you. Amen
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