How do we avoid the devastation of sin? In Psalm 119:11, the psalmist gives valuable input. ^“Your word I have treasured in my heart, that I may not sin against You.” When God’s Word is our treasure (that which we value most), sin has much less of an appeal to us. In the King James translation, the word is “hid” rather than “treasured.” We hide God’s word in our hearts by reading the Scriptures and mediating upon them. When Jesus was tempted by the devil after returning from the 40 days in the wilderness, he used the Word of God as the sword of the spirit. After each temptation, he responded with “It is written,” followed by the appropriate Scriptures that negated the temptation. In like manner, we can use the Scripture to combat the temptations we face. The Word of God has powerful effects.

The prophet who has a dream may relate his dream, but let him who has My word speak My word in truth. What does straw have in common with grain?” declares the LORD.

Is not My word like fire?” declares the LORD, “and like a hammer which shatters a rock?” Jeremiah 23:28-29

For the word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart. Hebrews 4:12

Keeping the Scriptures in our mind is paramount as it greatly impacts our attitude and relationship with our Father. Again, the psalmist provides insight:

Establish Your word to Your servant, As that which produces reverence for You.   Psalm 119:38

God’s exaltation of His Word that is often expounded in the Scriptures deserves our full attention and action.

I will worship toward thy holy temple, and praise thy name for thy lovingkindness and for thy truth: for thou hast magnified thy word above all thy name. Psalm 138:2 KJV