First, open my eyes (17-32). The world is full of those who treat the idea of God and his word with arrogance and contempt. Those who live their lives according to God's word are treated with scorn. In this place God gives us his word that we may see wonderful things. He gives his commands in order to reveal himself in this sinful world. He satisfies the longing in our souls to meet God. In this world our souls can become weary, and we face the prospect of certain death. At the same time we have the word of God to reveal the one who is ruling us there, that we may understand his ways. What a wonderful thing it is to see God. Second, turn my eyes from worthless things (33-40). The Psalmist prays to be guided in the path of God's commands. We are always tempted to follow our own self-interest, to seek selfish gain at the expense of eternal gain. Our eyes are tempted to stray to worthless and perishable things in this world. In that place we are given God's word. There alone can we find our Lord, who fulfills his promises and takes away our disgrace for the sake of his name. When we turn our eyes to him we have life.
Application: Lord, you are revealing yourself to me. Turn my eyes from worthless things to wonderful things.
One Word: See wonderful things