Worthless Things

Here’s a great prayer to help find focus at any point in our day:

Turn my eyes from worthless things, and give me life through your word. Psalm 119:37

What is getting in the way of us being the best and doing the best we can to know, love, and serve God’s purposes in this moment, this hour, this day?

There are obvious things that we need to turn our eyes away from like negative and offensive content on social media or morally unclean material in whatever form it appears on a screen in front of us.

And then there are the ads that “lead us into temptation … well, and not just the ads.  I was walking in a clothing store just the other day with a friend and was showing her something I was considering buying.  The truth is, I have way more clothing in my cupboard and dresser than what I need right now.  Why buy more clutter?  There’s nothing wrong with buying a piece of clothing, obviously, but there was no useful purpose in looking at more of what I didn’t need and making poor use of the resources I have. 

And what about books I like to read or games I like to play – all of which are fine in themselves but when they get in the road of what is right and good to be doing in that moment that will help me to grow or to assist others in their character development, and I would have to put the label of “worthless things” on them and by God’s grace turn my eyes away from them.

What are your worthless things? It could be hard work to make more money when enough is enough.  It could be someone you are leaning on more than seeking God for His wisdom.  The list is really endless and very personal because what is worthless for me today is probably quite different than what is worthless for you. 

But, in order for all of us to live to the best standard that is deeply satisfying and of benefit to God, I think it’s worth asking that question of God today.

Loving God, that’s our simple prayer today, would you help us recognize over and over again today what the worthless things are in our lives.  We want this day to matter for good and for You. We want to experience the fullness of life You are making available to us. 

We don’t want to be distracted by time wasters and we don’t want to give our allegiance to anyone or anything that keeps us from trusting You with all our heart and coming first to You for all our needs. 

With the familiar words Jesus taught us we pray that we will:

Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need. Matthew 6:33

So, are we willing to try this little exercise and ask God a few times today to show us what is worthless and to lead us to true life through His word?

Turn my eyes from worthless things, and give me life through your word. Psalm 119:37