Believers are warned to “be self-controlled and alert” because our “enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour” (1 Peter 5:8). The same was true with David (vv.4, 9,10,12). Temptations were everywhere around him. “They are like a lion hungry for prey, like a fierce lion crouching in cover” (v.12). David did not trust his own moral and spiritual strength to defeat such temptations but prayed to God for protection (vv.8,9,13,14). He also searched his own heart and made sure his heart was right with God (vv.1-3).

When he knew his heart was right with God, he could maintain his love and longing for the wonders of God’s love (v.7). He also knew God loved him and kept him as the apple of His eye (v.8). When we stray from God and His words, our hearts are polluted with things that rob us of noble desires (cf. Phil. 4:8).

David, just like any of us, loved beauty. But beauty can become a fatal attraction. David knew the danger. He had learned that ultimate beauty was in the “face” of God and His likeness (v.15; see Psalm 27:4).
Application: Father, search my heart and make it right with you. Keep me from all sorts of temptations. May I keep my ways pure before you so that I may always have spiritual desires to seek your beauty and love. Amen.
One Word: Let my vindication come from God