Steve Arterburn

Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is
right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable’if anything
is excellent or praiseworthy’think about such things. Philippians 4:8

What sorts of things find their way into your heart and mind? If
you’re exposing yourself to a constant barrage of ungodly words, music, or
images, you’re not taking full responsibility for your life.You can fill your
heart and mind with God’s Word, and when you do, you’ll create a defense
against some of the evil messages the world so frequently sends your way.

The writer of Psalm 119 declared, ‘I have tried my best to find
you’don’t let me wander from your commands. I have hidden your word in my
heart, that I might not sin against you’ (Psalm 119:10-11). ‘Hiding’ God’s Word
in your heart essentially means memorizing and meditating on the Bible. God
uses his Word’the Bible’to speak to you and show you how you ought to live.

You’ve been given the responsibility to guard your heart and to keep
track of the things you hide inside it. So, what’s in there? An’ger? Lust? Ugly
images from TV, the movies, or the web? Are you harboring bitterness? Greed?
Are you envious of others? If you’re struggling with these things maybe it’s
because you have more of the world’s wisdom in your heart than the true wisdom
of God.

Are you having a hard time finding God and following his com’mands?
Hiding God’s word in your heart will foster spiritual growth by guarding
against those things that hurt you and displease God.

‘I was thinking about how people seem to read the Bible a whole lot
more as they get older; then it dawned on me . . . they are cramming for their
final.’ - George Carlin (1937-)