How to Stay Pure in an Impure World
“Oh, that my actions would consistently reflect your decrees!”
Psalm 119:5 (NLT)
Does this express your heart cry as well? “Oh, that my actions would consistently reflect your decrees!” Psalm 119:5 (NLT) Now there’s a desire I can relate to in my walk with Christ. It’s the longing of my heart to consistently reflect God’s will and ways in all my actions, but, like the psalmist, I, too, often fall short. Temptations crowd into my life like unwelcome intruders seeking to control my attitude and conform me to this world. The struggle within is fought in the battleground of my mind.
Thankfully, the psalmist continues with helpful insight on how our actions can consistently reflect God’s decrees with the power to overcome temptation. It’s our survival guide for purity in an impure world! In verse nine of this chapter, he asks and answers a common question, “How can a young person stay pure? By obeying Your word.” Psalm 119:9 (NLT)
Did you get that? If I’m to consistently reflect God’s ways, I must know and obey God’s Word. In verse 11 (NLT), he says, “I have hidden Your Word in my heart, that I might not sin against You.” One translation uses the word “treasured” for hidden. When we treasure God’s Word, we value it and hide it in our hearts for safekeeping. It becomes an effective weapon against temptation. In fact, the New Testament refers to God’s Word as the Sword of the Spirit in the arsenal that God equips the Christian in our conflict with Satan. (See Ephesians 6:17) Jesus used the weapon of God’s Word against Satan in the temptations He faced. Three times, the tempter tried to lure Jesus into temptation by following his lead and, three times, Jesus responded, “It is written ….” (Matthew 4:4,7,10) What a model to follow in our struggles with sin and temptation.
If your desire is for your actions to consistently reflect God’s decrees, you must know what those decrees are and treasure them in your heart. It’s the truth you know that sets you free! Don’t let the enemy keep you in the dark. The psalmist discovered how to live pure in an impure world. He found victory through the power of God’s revealed Word. He says, “Your Word is a lamp to guide my feet and a light for my path.” Psalms 119:105 (NLT)
You don’t have to remain in the dark. Let God’s Word protect you in an impure world and be the light that guides your path each day. As you do your actions will consistently reflect His decrees.
Another important part of your daily devotional is spending time with God in prayer. The Woodlands Church Prayer Board lists prayer requests submitted by our members and provides a way to send them some encouragement by using a button on the page to let them know that you prayed for them. Whether you use the Prayer Board, or pray from your heart, the goal is to build the habit of incorporating prayer into your quiet time.
Need prayer yourself? Let us know by submitting a prayer request on the Woodlands Church Prayer Board.