This week, I’m wrapping up my daily reading in the Psalms. The Spirit has tucked so much wisdom in there that you could spend a lifetime uncovering new treasures with every reading.
But one phrase stopped me this morning and hasn’t let go of my heart:
“I will not set before my eyes anything that is worthless. I hate the work of those who fall away; it shall not cling to me.” (Psalm 101:3 ESV).
“I will not set before my eyes anything that is worthless.” What a powerful commitment. Because the truth is, what we choose to place before our eyes eventually finds its way into our hearts. And out of the heart, the course of our lives begins to flow.
I can’t tell you how many times I’ve prayed to be a better husband, a better father, a better servant of God. But this verse reminds me that if I want my life to be built into something holy, I have to choose the right building materials. What I allow into my eyes and into my heart is what God will use to shape me.
The reality is, the world offers us plenty of worthless things to set before our eyes. And if we’re honest, many of them are far too easy to choose. But the choice is still ours.
For me, I’ve seen the difference. The less TV I watch and the more time I spend in Scripture, the stronger I become in faith. The less empty entertainment I consume and the more I fill my mind with godly teaching—through blogs, podcasts, and sermons—the more wisdom I find God giving me.
We all need moments of rest and refreshment, but I’ve learned to ask myself: is this leading me toward what is worthless, or toward what is worthy?
Paul puts it beautifully in Philippians:
“Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.” (Philippians 4:8 ESV).
Maybe today is a good day to take inventory. What’s before your eyes right now? Is it helping build the life you’ve been praying for—or is it slowly pulling you in another direction?
I’d love to hear your thoughts. What helps you choose what is worthy instead of what is worthless? Share in the comments—I’d be encouraged by your reflections, and I know others will be too.