Fearlessly Courageous
Desk of Dennis Piller
8 29 2025

Audio Version
Turn my eyes from worthless things, and give me life through your word. PS 119:37

How Are You Doing Spiritually Today?

You don’t have to fake it with God. He already knows where your heart is—He just wants you to bring it to Him.    How good of a faker are you? We live in a world that constantly pulls at our attention—phones, news, money, relationships, and the daily grind. Sometimes, before we even realize it, our spiritual lives get pushed to the background. That’s why Psalm 119:37 is such a powerful prayer:
“Turn my eyes from worthless things, and give me life through your word.” 
Let me give you 5 pieces of encouragement to change your day, your week, and maybe your life.

1. The Battle for Our Eyes

What you look at will shape what you live for.

Our eyes are gates to the soul. Jesus warned, “The eye is the lamp of the body. If your eyes are healthy, your whole body will be full of light” (Matthew 6:22). If we keep filling ourselves with “worthless things”—distractions, comparisons, sin—our hearts grow heavy. But when we fix our eyes on Jesus, life and clarity return (Hebrews 12:2).  Does that sound like you need an added dose of intentionality and maybe offer up a sacrifice that actually cost you something?

2. Worthless Things vs. Eternal Things What you chase will either drain you or give you life.

“Worthless things” are not always evil—they can be simply meaningless distractions that consume our energy and attention without drawing us closer to Christ. They may not even be meaningless.  They can be good things, but the Holy Spirit never called you to them.  Good things that are keeping you from that deeper relationship with Jesus or are for another time. Paul reminds us, “Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things” (Colossians 3:2). Eternal things—God’s Word, prayer, acts of love—are what fuel lasting joy and strength.  Wait for that still small voice.

3. Life Through God’s Word The Word of God is oxygen for your soul.

Notice David’s prayer in Psalm 119:37 doesn’t stop with turning away—he asks for “life through the Word”.  When was the last time you thought of it that way?
Scripture doesn’t just inform us; it transforms us. “For the word of God is alive and powerful” (Hebrews 4:12). When you’re weak, discouraged, or drifting, God’s Word breathes fresh life into your spirit.  I didn’t say can breathe life…it does breathe life when we need it the most!

4. A Daily Reset Every day you choose—life-giving or life-draining.

Each morning presents us with a new opportunity to redirect our focus. Isaiah 26:3 promises, “You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you.” The peace you’re longing for isn’t found in scrolling or stressing—it’s found in staying anchored in Christ. Being intentional about how you start your day.  Are you inviting Jesus in before you get out of bed?  Do you purposely put on the armor of God before you leave home?  Are you praying with your spouse and kids to set a godly example and envelop them with heavenly protection? 

5. Encouragement for Your To-Do List. Don’t just hear this—try it today.

  • Take 5 minutes today to silence distractions and read one Psalm.
  • Ask God to reveal if there are “worthless things” stealing your attention.
  • Replace one distraction with one spiritual habit—Scripture, prayer, worship, or reaching out to encourage someone.

Let God redirect your gaze today.

Brothers and sisters, how are you really doing spiritually? The Lord is inviting you to stop feeding on what drains your soul and to start feeding on what gives life. He wants to turn your eyes away from distractions and fix them on Him.

“Lord, open my eyes today. Turn me away from worthless things and fill me with life through Your Word. Help me to fix my eyes on You, Jesus, the author and finisher of my faith. Amen.”

I will be hosting an Online Discovering Jesus 5-week class starting this Tuesday night
Sept. 2nd, at 7pm ONLINE for people of all ages.  Please send me a note if you would like to attend or know someone who would like to grow their faith. If you have a big screen at home, you can create a time to invite friends or neighbors who would like to join you in a Home Group for 5 weeks. Let’s get creative. Here is your link to join us on Tuesday.  If you desire to invite someone send them this email and just have them join us. https://meet.google.com/cfm-udos-iks

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Marvin Sapp  Thank you for it all