Knowing the Precious Words and Thoughts of God

“I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you” (Psalm 119:11)

I’ve known this verse since I was young, and even memorized it growing up. However this verse has taken on a whole new meaning for me. Instead of knowing God’s Word simply for a checklist to live by, instead what I’ve found is an understanding of God’s nature and kind intent toward me. I see His heart, I know His will, I understand His lovingkindness and I have a revelation of His grace.

I know this is what David meant when he wrote this famous psalm. David was a man after God’s own heart because He understood God’s purpose and love for him. Because of this understanding, when he messed up, He knew God would forgive him, so He was the first one he ran to. David knew these things because he spent a lifetime hiding the precious words and thoughts of God in his heart.

In ancient times, sin was an archery term, meaning to miss the mark. We think sin is this merely missing God’s standard. However, if this is where we are aiming then we are missing God’s plan and His heart for humanity. God never meant to have rules between us, that came from mankind’s need to know where we stood. God’s intent from the very beginning was intimacy, He wanted to have a relationship with us. This is the aim and mark not to miss!

If this is the sin to avoid, then we cannot let our ignorance stand in the way. We must realize God’s good and perfect plan for us, this is done by knowing and renewing our mind to His thoughts. The apostle Paul said it like this, “Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will” (Romans 12:2).

For some, understanding that God is good is the starting point. For others, understanding that God’s love extends to them is the beginning. It is my prayer today, that wherever you are in life, aim to know Him and His call. Learn what His heart’s desire for you is. Learn to listen to His voice and you will find something beautiful and unexpected.

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. I will be found by you,” declares the Lord” (Jeremiah 29:11-14b).