Do you find yourself eagerly or compulsively refreshing the news, updating stock or commodity prices, tracking interest rates, or reading new emails? So do we! As humans, we are hardwired to seek knowledge and obtain new information, especially in areas that bring us life (or dopamine). But if you are like most people, God’s word is not on your list of eager compulsions, so how do we change this? Is this even a problem?
The psalmist who wrote Psalm 119 (some scholars suggest Ezra, the priest) understood that an eagerness for God’s word is not a natural desire. He also understood that personal willpower was not enough to change his heart’s natural desire for money. He knew he would seek “life” in worthless things if God did not intervene and give him life through His word: the Bible.
“Give me an eagerness for your laws rather than a love for money! Turn my eyes from worthless things, and give me life through your word” (Psalm 119: 36-37).
When it comes to our lives and businesses, this prayer can keep our priorities in check. Business can easily be a way to pursue earthly things or it can be a way to live for God. We can allow our eyes to fixate on worthless things, subtly robbing us of life…or God can give us an eagerness for His word, bringing true life and purpose to our businesses. What we are eager, for we will pursue. So if our desire is wealth, a comfortable retirement or the praise of others, then our business naturally becomes an avenue to pursue these aspirations. But if our heart is turned toward God and our life is found in His word, then our business naturally becomes an avenue to pursue Him and bring glory to Him
This verse is also an example of how to pray over our workday and teaches us to rely on God to transform our hearts. It is a reminder that only God has the power to turn our eyes from worthless things and it is a call for God to replace normal earthly desires with an eagerness for His truth.
Please don’t misunderstand –– checking the news, stock prices, interest rates and emails all have a place and purpose. Yet the psalmist would consider them worthless in comparison to the worth found in God and His word.
We challenge you to join us in praying Psalms 119:36-37 over your heart, life and business daily. Let God fill you and your business with life that only comes from Him.