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

July 10 – HELP WHEN I NEED IT

When I get up in the morning I usually do a bit of tidying up or emptying the dishwasher etc., make myself a cup of coffee, grab my iPad and go to the table by the window where I sit with God for a while. 

I’m so grateful for this season of my life where I have time to just take my time doing this each day without a lot of distractions. 

I remember early mornings when I was a teacher having to get up in the dark and get out the door to school and just wishing I didn’t have to “rush through” whatever I was reading.

One of my habits as I read is to take a screen shot of things that are speaking to me as I read and write some notes onto that photo – oh the joys of modern technology.  Here’s one example.

I’m so grateful that God hears me when I’m in trouble because He’s close to me.  It’s summer camping time and we know that people aren’t far from one another when they “encamp” are they?  Well, God is close to all of us and I’m grateful that’s my reality.

But added to that is the fact that God acts on my behalf.  I’m not a very “handy” person and I often wish for someone around to fix the stand that holds my TV trays that I’ve tried to fix a few times but it’s wobbling again.  It’s just one of a number of “odd jobs” that need addressing at the moment. 

But so much more significant are the character defects that come up all too easily in my life when things aren’t going as I think they should or when I’m tired, etc.

I’m so grateful that God is close to me, camping out in my heart, and hears me when I call out to Him AND He gets the job done.  He delivers me.

Thank You Lord, that those who seek the Lord lack no good thing.  I’ve experienced this truth over and over in my life and I bless my friends watching this video today to experience it for themselves.

Thank you for being close, for listening to us, and for responding with just the help we need.  Help us to trust what You know needs doing, and when, and how.  Help us to be humble and take the time to bring the specifics of our lives to You, and allow You, the knowledgeable one, to do what’s good and right.