Psalm 119:9-16 is a passage that emphasizes the importance of training a young person’s heart to know God’s Word. Take a moment to read it aloud (NIV, emphasis added):

“How can a young person stay on the path of purity? By living according to your word. I seek you with all my heart; do not let me stray from your commands. I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you. Praise be to you, Lord; teach me your decrees. With my lips I recount all the laws that come from your mouth. I rejoice in following your statutes as one rejoices in great riches. I meditate on your precepts and consider your ways. I delight in your decrees; I will not neglect your word.”

How can a young person live according to God’s Word if he or she does not know it?

How well will a young person know God’s Word when the rubber meets the road, unless it is understood and hidden in his or her heart?

Hiding God’s Word in a young person’s heart, through Bible verse memorization, is necessary for making choices that honor the Lord, because it will guide their decision making.

In the passage above, notice the motivations of rejoicing and delighting. Following God’s ways is not a task done because of rules or earning God’s favor. There is sincerity seeking God, desiring to honor him because of the praise due him.

When children are young, they soak up what they hear and see. They catch the attitudes of those they model. How are you doing with projecting joy and earnestness while training your young person’s heart to know God and live according to his ways?

When your child is bathed in God’s truths and it is a natural part of discussion as decisions are made, he or she will develop the habit of living according to God’s ways. Supernaturally, the Holy Spirit will bring God’s words to recall when it is needed, and God will be honored.

Bible lessons in school are valuable, but having a personal desire to learn more about God needs to be developed for it to be lasting. When you work through Do LAPS! with your children, you will be nurturing this relationship and weaving it into daily life. The practice can continue when your children get older and work through Follow and Lead and Keep on Track.

As you disciple your children, help them own their relationship with the Lord and see the fruit of the Holy Spirit ripen in their life. May you be blessed as you nurture and guide them in God’s truths!