In the first eight verses of Psalm 119, the word keep is used four times. Three of the times it means to retain, treasure up in memory, as in verses 4, 5, and 8. Verse 4 says, “You have commanded us to keep Your precepts diligently.”

The more I have meditated on this verse, the Holy Spirit’s conviction intensified. God’s commands are not options ~ they are to be obeyed without question or excuses. God commands us to treasure up or hide His word in our hearts through memorization. 

It was easy to do that as a child. Now it is a struggle to retain what I memorize. Yet I am commanded to be diligent in this activity. Diligence speaks of intentional effort, or conscientious thought. I do know that our last thoughts before we go to sleep, stay with us in the night. Therefore I purpose in my heart to incorporate this as part of my nighttime routine.