In My Heart Have I Hid Thy Sayings (Psalm 117/118) 1 | Orthodox Christian Hardcover Journal

Blessed are the blameless in the way, who walk in the law of the Lord. Blessed are they that search out His testimonies; with their whole heart shall they seek after Him. For they that work iniquity have not walked in His ways. Thou hast enjoined Thy commandments, that we should keep them most diligently. Would that my ways were directed to keep Thy statutes. Then shall I not be ashamed, when I look on all Thy commandments. I will confess Thee with uprightness of heart, when I have learned the judgements of Thy righteousness. I will keep thy statutes; do not utterly forsake me. Wherewithal shall a young man correct his way? By keeping Thy words. With my whole heart have I sought after Thee, cast me not away from Thy commandments. In my heart have I hid Thy sayings that I might not sin against Thee. Blessed art Thou, O Lord, teach me Thy statutes.

- Psalm 118 (117 Masoretic Text)

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The heart, resting in itself as the power of love, is a second home for the commandments in our nature. ... A great perfection it is to have the commandments hidden in the heart. However, one ought to know, this does not occur as quickly as it it pronounced, or even as quickly as the desire is born. The heart is closer and more sympathetic towards the passionate side. For the heart to reject this and turn towards the commandments requires its transformation; one thing must be uprooted from it, and something else instilled. ... Thus, when all the commandments are grafted to the heart so that they form its essential content, then the heart together with the conscience will demand their fulfillment. Just as in the beginning it contradicted the conscience in everything, so now it will support the conscience's demands and lead to acting as required by a certain commandment. And this is why the Prophet said he hid God's words in the heart so as not to sin against Him.

- St. Theophan the Recluse, Psalm 118: A Commentary (Read a review here. Buy it here.)

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• Full wraparound print
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• 150 lined pages (75 sheets)
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