God’s Word Keeps You From Sin

I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.
Psalm 119:11

In the game of football it’s called “piling on”—you’re already down when suddenly you get pummeled again by your opponents. In real life, it’s called “spiritual warfare,” and it’s often much more subtle. You’re suffering through a hard time when suddenly the enemy comes at you with what actually looks like relief.

Ah, how vulnerable we are in such moments! “After all I’ve had to endure lately, I think I deserve a little break.” How easy it is to rationalize. “Would it really be so wrong for me to_______? Why not?”

Of course this is the nature of temptation. On the front end sin looks “heavenly.” On the back side it is always makes bad situations worse.

Our only hope is living out the promise above. By filling our hearts and minds with the truth of God’s Word, we are able to recognize the enemy’s lies. This is how we stay pure in hard or tempting times (see Matthew 4:1-11). This is how we avoid Satan’s deceptive attempts to hit us when we’re down.

GOD’S PROMISE TO ME
• I have given you my Word.

• Hiding my Word in your heart will keep you from wrong attitudes and actions.

MY PRAYER TO GOD
God, when I hide your Word in my heart, I can keep from sin. Grant me the wisdom to seek you and to hide your Word in my heart. I need discernment to apply your truth to everyday situations, especially when I am going through difficult times.