In Philippians 4, we are reminded of the importance of focus. The Bible tells us: “Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things” (v. 8 NASB). It is so important to watch our focus. What we see makes a big impact on our lives. We see it. We think about it. It leads us in the wrong direction, even if it’s only a few gazes. How many times has a little gaze led to something much worse?
Today’s verse is Psalm 101:3: “I refuse to gaze on that which is vulgar. I despise works of evil people and anything that moves my heart away from You. I will not let evil hold me in its grip” (TPT). The Psalmist is clearly stating that he doesn’t like anything that will pull him away from God, anything that “moves my heart away from (God).” He has set boundaries in place. He has selected his priority. God first. If anything is going to interrupt, interject, or in any way negatively impact his relationship with God, he wants nothing of it. He despises whatever will get in the way. God is his most precious, his first love.
Consider now, how many times this week you have gazed at something vile or vulgar? Another word for this is worthlessness, useless, or good for nothing. How do you feel about something that moves your heart away from God? Do you think something is causing a move in the wrong direction in your life right now?
Take time to pray over this today. Lord, open our hearts to see You more clearly. Keep our eyes fixed on You. Remove anything that causes our hearts to move. Holy Spirit, help us to guard our hearts. “Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me” (Psalm 51:10 ESV). Amen!
Tania Gutekunst 