…that I might not sin against you. (Psalm 119.11b)

Most people understand this phrase in a purely religious sense: “I must not violate the demands of God.”

The intent of this part of the song is much different, however. The first phrase of this line speaks to what is in the heart. Hiding the treasure of God’s word in the heart is the prerequisite for “not sinning against.” This is a personal and intimate confession not a religious check box. This phrase is not a declaration against murder or stealing or even refusing to rest on the Sabbath day. It is the heart’s cry against its own self-exalting inclination to instead remain fully yielded to the Sovereign of the Universe.  Yes, the same Sovereign who quite mysteriously finds a means to implant His immense Spirit into the deepest part of those whom He loves.

We dismiss the power of this confession at our own peril. The word translated “sin” means quite simply to “miss the mark.” To the modern mind it makes no sense unless it is understood that the “mark” for which we aim is the very character and authority of God. Which one of us would consider ourselves sane and in the same breath declare ourselves God? Yet that is what we do silently, day by day, as we exercise our will either against, or often without regard, to the only true Authority.

God’s word hidden at the center of our person facilitates the knowledge of God’s will, the desire to do that will and the ability to act on the desire. What impact has hiding God’s word in your heart had on you?

I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you-Psalm 119.11 NLT