Why Hiding Scripture Is So Important

One of the greatest blessings of our church ministry is being able to visit two of our nursing homes. There is singing, special music, preaching, and praying - four of our favorite things!

Yesterday, one of the sweet ladies was talking to the woman next to her and said "I've never had a good memory, but it's getting worse as I get older." Her friend replied, "At least we're in the same boat. I can't think of something, then later it just pops out!"

Going from the assisted living building to the memory unit, it always amazes me what a miracle music can be. One lovely lady is mostly nonverbal now, not really sure where she is. But when the singing starts, she immediately comes to the lounge and sits down. Once she has a songbook, you can hear the softest, sweetest singing. She may not remember many things, but those hymns are engrained in her mind.

When the psalmist wrote Psalm 119, I wonder if he was helping someone he loved with memory issues. Look how many times he wrote some version of "learn Scripture, memorize Scripture, tuck Scripture away for when you need it."

Thy word have I hid in my heart, that I might not sin again thee. Psalm 119:11

If you read the psalms and proverbs through every month or the Bible through every year, do you notice some of the verses jump out at you the second, third, or fourth time. The more you read the, the more familiar you are with them. Then you know when they're about to show up in your reading again - it's about that time! They're like familiar friends that you've hidden away in your heart. You can bring them out and enjoy them any time you want.

Now picture yourself 30, 40, 50 years down the road and having some memory issues. But you've spent so much time in the Scriptures that it doesn't matter. You've hidden verses in your heart, made them permanent, and they're available any time you need them. Effort is unnecessary because your brain's muscle memory kicks in. 

Who cares if you can't remember where your sweater is? You know beyond a shadow of a doubt that God will never leave you nor forsake you, you are loved with an everlasting love, and Jesus Christ died to take away your sin. That's what's eternal, and that's what you'll find hidden in your heart.

What Scripture are you hiding away today? You'll need it later.

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