How Can A Young Man Keep His Way Pure?

“How can a young man keep his way pure?  By living according to Your word.” Psalm 119:9 

Remember when our kids would build a fort out of pillows and cushions?  They would surround themselves with them to protect themselves from any ‘enemy’ whether it be a sibling or pet who was the perceived ‘intruder’.  It was creative and fun.  But there is a great spiritual significance to that fort building.

Psalm 119:9 says “How can a young man keep his way pure?  By living (or keeping) according to Your word.”

The word “pure” is the Hebrew word “zaka” which means translucent or morally innocent (1).  Oh how we pray that for our sons and daughters!  But in this world, corruption is easily attained, even if it’s not pursued.  So how can they guard against it?  And how can we pray?

We pray that they are living according to God's word.  That word “living” is the word “samar” in Hebrew.  Samar means to hedge about as with thorns, the guard, attend to, be circumspect and keep watch. 

In Medieval times, the castle was always built with a keep- that portion of the castle that was the strongest and safest place.  It was a fortified town and a place of refuge.   Psalm 61:3 says, “For You have been my refuge, a strong tower against the foe.”

Our sons and daughters will only keep their way pure, not just by going about their day with God in mind, but by surrounding themselves with His word, being circumspect- looking all around them and guarding against attack by the enemy.

Just knowing God’s word isn’t enough.  Being familiar with it won’t provide the protection and defense we need.  No, we need to surround ourselves so that we do not fall into sin.

Today, let’s pray that they revert back to their childhood days of building a wall of protection against the enemy, not with cushions and pillows, but with the mighty Word of God. 

“Great peace have they who love Your law, and nothing can make them stumble.”  Ps 119:165

“Heavenly Father, You are the Mighty Protector and the Great Defender.  I pray that You would surround (name) today with a hedge of spiritual protection against the Enemy.  Lord, let (name) be ever-mindful of You and Your Word.  May it not just be something that is ‘familiar’ to them, but let Your word be light and life to them.  May they look to You for their guidance and protection.  May their first thought in the morning be You and their last in the evening as well.  Lord, help (name) to keep their way pure- not hiding sin but translucent, allowing Your light to shine through them.  Help them to be morally pure, not following after deception or evil but wholeheartedly following after You.  Be their Keeper, Lord and may their life be full of peace because they love You completely.  “Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy, to the only wise God our Savior, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever. Amen.” (Jude 1:24-25, KJV)

Pray without ceasing, friends.

1.  H2135 - zāḵâ - Strong's Hebrew Lexicon (niv). Retrieved from https://www.blueletterbible.org/lexicon/h2135/niv/wlc/0-1//

2.  H8104 - šāmar - Strong's Hebrew Lexicon (niv). Retrieved from https://www.blueletterbible.org/lexicon/h8104/niv/wlc/0-1/