How can Psalm 119:37 guide our media consumption choices today? The verse at a glance Psalm 119:37: “Turn my eyes away from worthless things; revive me with Your word.” What “worthless things” look like today - Content that trivializes sin or glorifies violence, impurity, greed, or mockery - Entertainment that distorts God-given sexuality or undermines marriage and family - Media that normalizes profanity, blasphemy, or occult themes - Endless scrolling that feeds discontent, envy, or anxiety instead of gratitude - News or commentary driven by outrage rather than truth and edification Applying the verse to our screens - Take the request literally: ask God to redirect your eyes before opening any app, site, or streaming service. - Evaluate each program, post, or song by its fruit: does it pull your heart toward or away from Christ? (Matthew 6:22-23; Romans 12:2) - Remember that “worthless” doesn’t merely mean immoral; it also includes empty time-fillers that crowd out Scripture, prayer, and meaningful relationships (Ephesians 5:15-16). - Treat the remote, mouse, or phone as a stewardship rather than a right. You belong to the Lord (1 Corinthians 6:19-20). Replacing the worthless with the Word - Feed your mind on what is “true… honorable… just… pure” (Philippians 4:8). - Let worship music, Scripture-saturated podcasts, and edifying films refresh your heart. - Follow voices that handle the Bible accurately, turning every discussion back to Christ and His gospel. - Keep an open Bible nearby while online. The more Scripture fills the mind, the less room remains for the trivial. Practical daily discernment - Set time limits for social media and streaming; budget those minutes the way you budget money. - Use filtering tools and accountability software; invite a trusted believer to review your viewing history. - Preview shows and games through reliable Christian reviews before clicking Play. - Replace late-night scrolling with reading a Psalm or memorizing a verse. - Post content that points others to Christ, not to self-promotion or controversy. - End each day asking: Did today’s media make me love God and neighbor more? Encouragement for the journey Job 31:1 shows that guarding the eyes is a covenant issue. Proverbs 4:25 urges steady, forward-looking focus. As we literally turn our eyes from what is empty and fix them on the living Word, God keeps His promise: He revives us. |
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