Hidden In The Heart

Recently, a co-worker and I took a person we support to the Goodwill store to purchase a music CD. As we got into the van, he inserted his CD into the player. As we travelled along to our next destination, what we were treated to was music that we hadn't heard for about thirty years. I was surprised at how all the words came back to me, and it got me thinking.

Having accepted the Lord only in my 40s, I did not have the same exposure to Scripture as people do who grew up with it. I have memorized quite a few Scriptures, but my memory bank is much smaller than those who knew the Bible from an early age.

I have often wondered how people have verses of Scripture come so quickly to them — how they can recite so many passages off by heart. After hearing the music from thirty years ago with the words coming back to me, I think I realize now how it works.

The psalmist tells us to have the Scripture hidden in our hearts:

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

Taking this a step further, we are to share the Word with all the world. Though we may not see a person's conversion right away, we can rest assured that our words are now in that person, just like a seed, and in God's timing, He will bring forth that Word, making it alive in them. Just as this music had been hidden for thirty years, it came back to me at a moment's notice.

Philemon 1:6 – I pray that you may be active in sharing your faith, so that you will have a full understanding of every good thing we have in Christ. (NIV)

What a wonderful mission we have, that everyone might have the opportunity to have the Word hidden in their heart. Let us all read the Word and share the Word, tucking the truths into our hearts with a confidence that Jesus is going to bring them forth in His timing.

Prayer: Dear Lord, we are truly fearfully and wonderfully made. Thank You for all the intricate details that You put into each and every one of us. Continue to prompt us to tuck your Word in our hearts and to share it with all, so that we may be joyous when we see the outcome of people coming to know You. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.

Julie Bowles