Psalm 119:37 is a plea for God's help in focusing on what is truly important and finding renewed life through obedience to God's will. Let's break down each part:
"Turn my eyes away from looking at worthless things": This is a request to be delivered from distractions that don't nourish the soul. "Worthless things" could refer to:
Materialism: Coveting possessions, wealth, or status.
Temptation: Lust, sinful desires, or anything that leads to immoral behavior.
Idle Entertainment: Wasting time on empty pursuits that don't edify or lead to spiritual growth.
Worldly Values: Focusing on things that are fleeting and ultimately meaningless in light of eternity.
The psalmist recognizes that the mind is easily drawn to things that are not good for it, and asks for God's intervention to direct his gaze elsewhere. It's a desire to cultivate a heart that values what God values.
"Revive me in your ways": This is a cry for spiritual renewal. To be "revived" implies a state of being weakened, discouraged, or even spiritually deadened. "Your ways" refer to:
God's Law/Word: Living according to God's commands and principles as revealed in scripture.
God's Path: Following the life God intends for the individual.
God's Character: Emulating God's attributes like love, justice, mercy, and truth.
The psalmist is asking for God to breathe fresh life into him through obedience and conformity to God's will. He understands that true life and vitality are found in walking closely with God.
In summary, the verse is a prayer for:
Deliverance from distractions and temptations: A plea to be shielded from the allure of the superficial and sinful.
Spiritual invigoration through obedience: A desire for renewed life and energy found in following God's path and adhering to His principles.
It's a timeless verse that resonates with anyone who desires to live a life focused on God and free from the entanglements of the world. It acknowledges our weakness and dependence on God to keep us on the right path and to revive our souls when we falter.
Psalm 119:37 is a plea for God's help in focusing on what is truly important and finding renewed life through obedience to God's will. Let's break down each part:
"Turn my eyes away from looking at worthless things": This is a request to be delivered from distractions that don't nourish the soul. "Worthless things" could refer to:
Materialism: Coveting possessions, wealth, or status.
Temptation: Lust, sinful desires, or anything that leads to immoral behavior.
Idle Entertainment: Wasting time on empty pursuits that don't edify or lead to spiritual growth.
Worldly Values: Focusing on things that are fleeting and ultimately meaningless in light of eternity.
The psalmist recognizes that the mind is easily drawn to things that are not good for it, and asks for God's intervention to direct his gaze elsewhere. It's a desire to cultivate a heart that values what God values.
"Revive me in your ways": This is a cry for spiritual renewal. To be "revived" implies a state of being weakened, discouraged, or even spiritually deadened. "Your ways" refer to:
God's Law/Word: Living according to God's commands and principles as revealed in scripture.
God's Path: Following the life God intends for the individual.
God's Character: Emulating God's attributes like love, justice, mercy, and truth.
The psalmist is asking for God to breathe fresh life into him through obedience and conformity to God's will. He understands that true life and vitality are found in walking closely with God.
In summary, the verse is a prayer for:
Deliverance from distractions and temptations: A plea to be shielded from the allure of the superficial and sinful.
Spiritual invigoration through obedience: A desire for renewed life and energy found in following God's path and adhering to His principles.
It's a timeless verse that resonates with anyone who desires to live a life focused on God and free from the entanglements of the world. It acknowledges our weakness and dependence on God to keep us on the right path and to revive our souls when we falter.