Turn my eyes away from evil
“Turn away my eyes from looking at vanity And revive me in Your ways.” Psalm 119:37 NASBS
Psalm 119:37 NASBS
Beloved in Christ, to long for happiness and security in this life is a very natural thing, but it is also true that we often find ourselves seeking this in worldly or fleshly desires. The apostle Paul told the Church in Rome something that we must try to understand. He said, “For we know that the Law is spiritual, but I am of flesh, sold into bondage to sin.” Paul is not saying that He is a slave to sin inwardly, for he had just said from a redemptive standpoint that those who have put their faith in Christ have been supernaturally saved by the work of the Holy Spirit and are no longer slaves to sin, but slaves to God. Therefore, what He is saying is that our flesh, that is, our physical body, has attractions to the corruption of this world and can be enticed for a season to leave the One Whom we truly love, Jesus Christ. Let us not be ignorant of this for one minute, lest our hearts grow cold toward Him who was pierced through for our transgressions and crushed for our iniquities.
So, beloved, if this is true, then we must direct our footsteps with great wisdom, only seeking the principles that have been set forth in the Bible to guide us even if it is contrary to the way we feel. So, Christian, labor to understand this; it is here and only here that you will find the happiness and security you are longing for. The scriptures clearly say, “For what harmony has Christ with Belial, or what agreement has the temple of God with idols? For you are the temple of the living God. As God has said, “I will dwell in them and walk among them. I will be their God, and they shall be My people.” Now, if you have become the temple of the living God through faith in Christ Jesus, and the righteousness of Christ is now governing your soul, then what fellowship can you possibly have with the darkness that will bring you joy. The truth is, Christian, walking contrary to the commands of scripture will become a misery to your soul just as the scriptures tell us, “Can two walk together unless they are agreed? Will a lion roar in the forest when he has no prey? Will a young lion cry out of his den if he has caught nothing? Will a snare spring up from the earth if it has caught nothing?” The obvious response is no.
Oh, but the opposite is true as well. What delightful fellowship and intercourse exist between heaven and earth when you yield with all of your heart to the leading of God’s word, for God seeks those who will worship Him in truth and Spirit. Beloved, yield to the obedience of God’s word, and you will find rest for your soul, contentment in your mind, satisfaction for your desires, and a heart that often breaks forth in praise. Hear the heart of the Psalmist, “Teach me, O LORD, the way of Your statutes, And I shall observe it to the end. Give me understanding that I may observe Your law And keep it with all my heart. Make me walk-in the path of Your commandments, For I delight in it. Incline my heart to Your testimonies, And not to dishonest gain. Turn away my eyes from looking at vanity and revive me in Your ways.”
Oh, what happiness the Psalmist has found within his soul. It is like a perpetual well that springs from the delights and contentment in His Spirit, giving him a peace, this world does not know. So may we not only walk with God when the sun is shining upon us and everything seems right, but also when the dark clouds of trial and sickness gather around us, knowing not what tomorrow holds.