Lent Devotions

Posted: 20 Mar 2012 07:50 AM PDT

Psalm 119:9-16

"How can young people keep their way pure? By guarding it according to your word" (Psalm 119:9). Our daily lives are filled with temptations and distractions—in a given day, there are dozens of times when we are presented with the opportunity to choose between wrong and right, purity and impurity, God or godlessness.

These moments are opportunities—chances to grow closer to God by choosing to follow the divine teachings of Christ rather than the impulses of our earthly desires.

"How can young people keep their way pure?" The psalmist poses a daunting challenge, but provides us with a simple answer: "By guarding it according to your word."

In the straightforward sense, the text refers to God and living according to the Word of the Lord. (In times of doubt, Jesus' decree to "do to others what you would have them do to you" serves as an excellent standard.)

Looking more deeply into the text, the psalmist is also instructing us to be authentic. "Living according to your word"—being an honest, trustworthy, and genuine individual—not only has the wonderful tendency to attract the same types of people to us, but it is a grand tribute to our Creator, a sign that we are grateful for the gift of life bestowed upon us and that we understand that all of God's creation deserves respect.

Lord, your creation is great and you have blessed us with the gift of being able to experience it. Grant us the wisdom to recognize your presence in our lives and the opportunities we have to grow closer to you each day. Guide us toward purity and shepherd us on the path to salvation, and let us revel in our faith in you, who gave us the ultimate gift in your son, Jesus Christ. Amen.

Gregory T. Angelo, member of Marble Collegiate Church