“Turn my eyes from looking at worthless things; and give me life in your ways.” Psalm 119:37
August 21, 2024
In military formation there is an “eyes right” command. A theological spin on this can serve us well in getting a grip on David’s prayer. God puts price tags on the values of this world. In Bunyan’s Pilgrim’s Progress, Christian and Faithfulness had to pass through the town of “Vanity Fair.” The merchandise of the world was for sale. The scene is a teaching moment. Those who are on their way to the Celestial City do not fit in with these people, and when they are asked to stop and buy, they put their hands to their ears and run away, crying, “Turn away mine eyes from beholding Vanity” and look toward heaven to show where the business of their lives is. The getting of “life” in our ways demands looking away from the allurements of this world that can take us to dead end streets and harmful merchandise. Buyer beware! Worthless idols come in all kinds of eye-dazzling presentations. The commercials on an evening of TV watching solicit our affections. We must keep our eyes on our destination.
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“Divert my eyes from toys and trinkets, invigorate me on the pilgrim way.” The Message
“What is it, Lord, that is promising me what it cannot provide. Set my eyes on things above.”