Read Psalm 119:9-16.

In the second stanza of Psalm 119, we read all about the protection of God’s Word—what happens when you give the Word a home in your heart.

There is power in the Word of God. Psalm 119:9 tells us God’s Word has power to cleanse us when we live according to its teachings. It has power to control our actions, keeping us from danger (see v. 10). And God’s Word has power to correct us when we start to go astray (see v. 11).

The Word of God helps us put a guardrail around our thoughts—because that’s where everything begins: with our thought life. That’s where the fight against sin begins. Scripture reminds us that God is sovereign, that He is in control, and that He will have the last word. It reminds us we are the redeemed, blood-bought children of the living God—holding a special place in the heart of the King.

For the Word of God to have preeminence in our lives, we have to apply it—not just daily but throughout the day. Lots of Bible-believing Christians agree on the importance of God’s Word, but precious few actually read and apply it, which brings me to three exercises to practice giving God’s Word preeminence in your life.

First, Psalm 119 tells us we must speak it (see v. 13). By verbalizing and sharing with others what you have learned from God’s Word, the Truth will sink deeper into your heart, strengthening your inner self far more than mere reading.

Second, we must savor the Word (see vv. 14-15). When you dwell on what a treasure the Scriptures are—what an inheritance of Truth and hope—you will develop a posture of joy, and God’s Word will occupy the forefront of your thoughts.

Finally, we must substantiate the Word in our lives (see v. 16), meaning we demonstrate its value and Truth by living it out. When faced with decisions, we make those decisions in light of God’s will for us. We allow God’s Word to constrain us as it did David when he could have taken Saul’s life (see 1 Samuel 24:6). We substantiate God’s Word by trusting in His sovereign grace and love in all circumstances.  

The Word of God will strengthen you in times of temptation. It will sustain you when you are under pressure. So speak it, savor it, and substantiate it day by day.

Prayer: Father, help me to practice these exercises to use the gift of Your Word powerfully in my life. I long for its Truth to guard my heart and mind and to live out my faith to Your glory. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.

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

Learn more in Dr. Michael Youssef’s sermon Encouraging Words in Discouraging Times, Part 4: LISTEN NOW

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