Have you ever thought about how many things you see each day? According to a recent study, Americans are exposed to 4,000 or more advertisements each day.[1] Whether we visit a store, watch TV, or look at our phones, we constantly have a wide variety of things before our eyes each day. Although David did not have these things before him, he still had a concern about the content that was before his eyes each day.
In Psalm 101, David describes his commitment to ethical standards as he endeavors to rule righteously. David begins the psalm by expressing a desire to behave and to walk in a manner that would be pleasing to the Lord (ver. 1-2). Part of this would include not putting anything worthless before his eyes (ver. 3). Worthless (beliyyaal) means wicked, good for nothing, and unprofitable. “Worthless or vile things are things that make no positive contribution to godliness.”[2]
David knew in order to live a life pleasing to the Lord he would have to discipline his eyes. One sin that has plagued man since the beginning deals with the eyes (1 John 2:16, “…the lust of the eyes…”).
What are you allowing before your eyes each day? Like David, we should endeavor to put before our eyes only that which will be profitable to our walk with the Lord.
“Turn away my eyes from looking at vanity, And revive me in Your ways.” Ps. 119:37
Blessings,
Pastor Steven