September 21, 2026 -- Psalm 27:4; 101:1-8 -- To gaze upon the beauty of the LORD

People loved by the Father, in the Spirit's power: Sh'ma ~ hear and obey Jesus!

“One thing have I asked of the LORD, that will I seek after: that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty of the LORD and to inquire in His temple.” – Psalm 27:4 

Scripture reading: Psalm 101:1-8

A quick search online will reveal that your screen time affects your heart health, weight, sleep and social skills. As studies highlight the deleterious effects of cell phone usage, schools in Canada and the United States are experimenting with restricting their students’ use of cell phones during school hours. What social scientists and health experts are saying is wisdom from of old.

The Psalmist vowed he would not set before his eyes anything that is worthless and perverse. As Christians, living in an age where perversity is immediately available on any screen, we must ask if we are as scrupulous as the Psalmist? Who has the right to ask you how much time you’re spending on your phone, tablet or computer, and what it is that is consuming you?

The Psalmist will ponder, consider, and study the way that is blameless. He will adore the blameless One Who counsels the heart of Christians at night (Psalm 16:7). Do you realize that your attentiveness to screens may be an outrageous adoration? A good, faithful, accountability partner, spouse, elder, or Christian friend must be probing your actions, helping you to see where you are letting your guard down, and if you are honouring what is despicable. As believers, we  desire that those who walk in ways that are blameless will minister to us, and we to them. The inmates whom I serve often use this phrase: “Those who mess up, fess up” (confess). Isn’t it amazing that God hears our confessions, forgives us, and restores us in the way everlasting?!

Suggestions for prayer

If you have been careless in what you’re watching on news, social media, movies, as you doom-scroll, confess it. If you are striving to be blameless in this area, pray urgently that those around you will recognize the dangers of all the worthless and unclean images so readily available, confess this sin, and vow to be pure before the LORD.

Copyright © 2026 Sh'ma Christian Ministries, All rights reserved.