How can a young man cleanse his way? By taking heed according to Your word. With my whole heart I have sought You; Oh, let me not wander from Your commandments! Your word I have hidden in my heart, That I might not sin against You.

Blessed are You, O LORD! Teach me Your statutes. With my lips I have declared All the judgments of Your mouth. I have rejoiced in the way of Your testimonies, As much as in all riches.

I will meditate on Your precepts, And contemplate Your ways. I will delight myself in Your statutes; I will not forget Your word.

Oh what a beautifully complete statement concerning the centrality of the Word of the LORD. Those habits, ingrained in me during family devotionals after dinner, granted lost during my rebellious teenage and and early adult years; were quick to return as I turned back to the faith.

The foundation had been set, those precious verses began the process of throwing off the mold and detritus that had been heaped by the Evil One. But the process of restoration continues; I must be faithful in pursuing my daily time in the Word of the LORD, God, the Almighty.