Man, God’s word is full of encouraging and teachable words!
When I read Psalm 119:9-11, as a mother of three I’m saying, “Yes! Yes! Advice on how to be pure!” But really it applies to all of us (the “young” at heart) in our thoughts and actions.
We need to read the Instruction Book for Life (the bible), obey His teachings, and remember scripture so that we can pull it out when we are put in temptatious situations. God didn’t just put guidelines as to how to live on those pages, He breathed truth and knowledge and His love for each of us.
Here verses 9-11:
9How can a young person stay pure?
By obeying Your word.
10 I have tried hard to find You—
don’t let me wander from Your commands.
11 I have hidden Your word in my heart,
that I might not sin against You.
Then, when I was all caught up in the advice on how to stay pure, God supplied more verses with simple instructions on how to live.
Look and listen to God speaking to you though His word:
Philippians 4:4-8, 12-13
4 Always be full of joy in the Lord. I say it again—rejoice!
5 Let everyone see that you are gentle and kind.
6 Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done.7 Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.
8 Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.
12bI have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. 13 I can do all this through him who gives me strength.
Guidelines Advice on, not just living, but truly living:
- Be happy, and show it!
- Be gentle and kind.
- Don’t worry, pray!
- Be thankful for what you have.
- Live not “however” but the “whatever” way: dignified, true, pure (there’s that word again), beautiful (life is beautiful), and worthy (of the goodness He so lavishly gives you). And think about the excellent way of life too.
- The little secret….get your strength from Him. His strength will sustain you!
I know from personal experience that when I am happy, give my anxiety to God, count my blessings, try to live the way Jesus would want me to, and rely on His strength, that things, life, tends to work out much better. Ha! Better than better…the best, because it is His way and NOT mine!
Blessings and God’s abundant love to y’all.
October 13