Psalm 39 houses the Text I’d like to share with you this morning. Verse 3 of that inspired Hymn speaks: “My heart was hot within me, while I was musing the fire burned: then spake I with my tongue.”

Spiritual principles galore spring from this complex sentence!

The “heart” in Hebrew (spelled “leb”) speaks of a person’s “inner life.” Where one “thinks,” more than where one “feels” really. The verb “was hot” literally means “enflamed,” or “on fire for God” in today’s vernacular anyway.

One’s heart is made “hot” by the fluttering of the Holy Spirit and by the empowering, fervent impact of God’s Word … when observed and pondered day and night.

Note that a “hot” heart, not a “lukewarm” one, also “muses” over the things of God! This rare verb (only found 2 times in the whole Old Testament) once means “to meditate.”

Yes, such treasuring of God’s Word within one’s heart will set it “afire!” Jeremiah had it “burning even within his bones!”

The Psalmist is like a old country kettle set on a roaring gas burner, about ready to explode with fervency for God!

Then … when he can contain it no longer … he “speaks!” Bot he did not even open his mouth until he was ready! The verb is “dabar,” to speak with logic and forethought and preparation! Not to simply “blab!”

Fellows, do not preach if your heart is not ablaze!

When Paul wrote young Timothy to “stir up” the gift of God in his life, his calling to preach, the Apostle used this verb, a blend: “anazopureo.” meaning “make the fire stay alive” in you! Yes, “pur” is the Greek word for fire!

Practicing this Verse in Psalm 39 makes speaking for God (preaching, teaching, witnessing) actual “overflow” of the steam engine God has placed within you … as you ingested His Word and Spirit and Love, etc.

Praise the Lord!

“My heart was hot within me, while I was musing the fire burned: then spake I with my tongue.”  (To be practiced, tested in daily life. With great benefit … and great power as one speaks!)

Grant it, dear Lord.

— Dr. Mike Bagwell

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