Turn away mine eyes from beholding vanity-–Psalm 119:37
To be safe and secure we must ever be turning away from sin– focused on the good rather than the bad. Rather than setting our sights on things that are worthless we must be “looking unto Jesus”(Heb. 12:2), lest through the eye gate things enter that will defile and destroy. But,to do this we need divine aid. That’s why the Psalmist prayed for God’s help.
Certain flowers and plants are always turning in the direction of the sun, soaking up its rays and reaping its benefits. We should be so wise in our turning toward the Son, lest we endanger ourselves. However, knowing is one thing and doing is another. As easy as it might seem we cannot succeed without God’s help. Recognizing our need and resolving to acquire it is well and good, but never enough. We are like little children in a toy store or a candy shop– we want everything in sight. And we lack the discipline to resist the temptation without help from God. Everyday evil is clamoring for our attention and we must depend upon God to enable us, lest our attention is diverted and our actions are defiled. That’s why David said, “I will set no wicked thing before mine eyes”( Ps. 101:3).
No person is strong enough to stare at things that are vile without eventually becoming entangled in the vice. Either turn away or be taken in. You must determine to look away and depend on the Lord for the strength to do it. Since the mind is not an empty vacuum, it will be filled with something– either good or bad. For that reason we must think on “whatsoever things are true–honest–just–pure–
As you go through this day, allow no unholy thought to stay in your mind. Look not upon anything that diverts your attention away from the one who is ” Altogether Lovely”—“the Sun of Righteousness”. In this is your safety and satisfaction. Be safe my friend!
