How can a young man keep his way pure?
By keeping it according to Your word.
With all my heart I have sought You;
Do not let me wander from Your commandments.
Your word I have treasured in my heart,
That I may not sin against You.
Blessed are You, O Lord;
Teach me Your statutes. Psalm 199:9-12
There is more to God than just rules. In this song of ascents (a song that was sung as pilgrims ascended toward Jerusalem), the Psalmist answers a profound question – how can a young man keep his way pure? The tide has always been for young men to do the opposite, to lose their purity and find themselves debased in a world that is rife with sin. The answer is to reject the world and the temporary pleasures of sin and cling to God and His revealed word and ways. Notice that there is a continual return to God and His word that is necessary: “do not let me wander”, “teach me”, “with all my heart I have sought You”. If a young man wants to keep his way pure, God will help him do it!
God, I am not so young anymore. How shall I keep my way pure? I know that keeping Your word and letting You direct my life is the answer. Help me be a source of encouragement to the young men in my life.
Thank you God that You have the desire for my life to be pure and holy and the way for it to be so. I praise You for Your word and that its not a mystery. I thank you for the abiding presence of Your Spirit in my life. Let’s enjoy a wonderful day that is marked by purity and the power that accompanies it.
