“Turn away my eyes from looking at worthless things, and revive me in Your way.”  Psalm 119:37

This weekend I was talking with some friends about their “date night rules” and unsurprisingly, NO PHONES was at the top of all our lists. It’s far too easy to be enjoying a night out with your significant other and then let one text or “quick” browse through your social media feed distract from the date. Next thing you know, you’re the couple at the steakhouse sitting across from each other, buried in separate screens. So close to one another yet so far from being present.

It reminds me of how quickly I become preoccupied with things that take my eyes off Jesus. Old temptations, new responsibilities, or ongoing desires for possessions or pleasure can quickly divert my attention from the One who knows and wants what is best for me.

A similar spiritual condition afflicted the Pharisees (Matt. 15:8-9). They were serving in the temple and instructing others, but their hearts were far from God.

We can teach and serve at church but be far from God. Even our religious activity becomes meaningless when our focus is not on Jesus. But if we stop being so easily distracted, the Lord can turn our eyes away from worthless things and revive our hearts. Just like banning phones from date night, we can allow Him to show us where we stumble and aid in removing those destructive habits from our lives.