Worthless Things

October 27

Jeremiah 50

Psalm 119:33-40

Proverbs 26:1-2

Hebrews 7:11-28

Worthless Things

“Turn my eyes away from worthless things; preserve my life according to Your Word.”   Psalm 119:37 NIV

David recognized the dangerous allure of worldly treasures and pursuits.  By the time he wrote this psalm, he was a wealthy man.  He had a beautiful palace and it was filled with earthly treasure.  He also had power, fame, several wives and concubines, and could have pretty much anything his heart desired.  But he understood that those things were worthless if they distracted him from his relationship with God.  He spent much of his life without the comforts of wealth.  His many long nights sleeping on the ground with his sheep gave him time to focus his attention on the majesty and holiness of the Lord.  His years on the run while being pursued by a jealous King Saul allowed him to develop a deep abiding faith in his God who was his strength and his refuge.  His time on the battlefield gave him a confidence in God as his protector and defender.  And his failure with Bathsheba and murder of her husband, Uriah, showed him that God is merciful and forgiving.  David knew his God personally and intimately and there was no doubt in his mind what was important and what was not worth his attention.  But he also knew that, just like you and I, he was easily distracted and he was capable of pursuing worthless things.  His prayer was that God would give him the wisdom according to His Word to keep his attention focused on God.  This verse in Psalm reminds me of a children’s worship song I love.  It is called “O Be Careful, Little Eyes” by Cedarmont Kids.⁹

            O be careful little eyes what you see

                  O be careful little eyes what you see

                  For the Father up above is looking down in love

                  So, be careful little eyes what you see.

                  O be careful little ears what you hear

                  O be careful little hands what you do

                  O be careful little feet where you go

                  O be careful little mind what you think

It’s a simple song but has a profound meaning.  As children of God we need to be careful what we allow our eyes to see, ears to hear, hands to do, feet to go and mind to think.  We need to keep our focus on our Father up above because He is looking down in love.  He will help us pursue things that have value and meaning, not things that are worthless.