Day – 119

Signpost for the path of purity

Read: 1 Samuel 3,4; Psalm 119: 1-88; Luke 16:1-18

Scripture: Psalm 119: 9 How can a young person stay on the path of purity? By living according to your word.10 I seek you with all my heart; do not let me stray from your commands. 11 I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.

Observation: Psalm 119 is a meditational prayer that emphasizes the importance of the Word of God in a person's life. Why does the Bible speak of a young person's purity? Does it mean that an older adult is perfect, and so he does not need such purity? NO. As the proverb goes, "Bend the tree while it is young," or "A colt you may break, but an old horse you never can." We know it is easier to discipline and correct a younger person than an older person. Proverbs 22:6 says, "Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old, they will not turn from it." Getting the spiritual nourishment of the Word of God is essential for a young person to stay on the path of purity. However, in his prayer (v.10, 11), the psalmist infers that it is applicable to him and all who read it.

Here, we see two important instructions to keep ourselves pure. A half-hearted effort would not give the desired result. Sometimes, we seek God according to our convenience or as we like. As the psalmist says, we must seek God with all our hearts. Further, he says of his preventive action to protect himself from sinning against God; He kept God's word in his heart. In other words, he stored God's promises within his heart. God's word that is treasured up in a person's heart, would correct him/her, whenever s/he goes against God.

Application: God's word has the power to protect me from sinful temptations, addictions, and sensual desires. In the present world, with the latest mobile phones, computers, and technologies, many sinful activities are near to us than ever before. However, God's word in my heart is even closer to preventing me from sinning against God. There are many ways to impurity. Even a person's self-discipline does not last long. But, God's word never fails to do its job. Regardless of a person's age, race, ethnicity, and nationality, s/he can walk on the path of purity with the help of God's word. All I need to get this is to seek God with all of my heart and store his promises within my heart.

Prayer: Father God, thank you for your signpost (The Bible) to walk in the path of purity. Lord, help me to remember it always and practice it every day. Amen.

✍️: Arputharaj Samuel
📕: Quiet Time Companion
🗓️  Day – 119