There are many kinds of vanity. The fool's antics, worldly laughter, the dance, the music, and the reckless revelry are known vanities. They clearly bear their names. Even more deceptive are things like worldly cares and the deceit of riches.

A person can chase vanity just as much in a business as in entertainment. If his life revolves around gaining wealth, he's caught up in an illusion. Unless we're following Christ and making God our life's center, we're only different in appearance from the most frivolous. We urgently need the first prayer from our scripture.

"Give me life in Your way." The Psalmist admits he's sluggish and almost lifeless. Maybe you feel the same. We're often so dull that no motive can energize us without the Lord. What will stir us?

Won't hell wake me up? Can I think of lost souls and still not be moved? Won't heaven inspire me? Can I ponder the reward for the righteous and remain cold?

Won't death awaken me? Can I imagine standing before God and still be lazy in my service? Won't Christ's love drive me? Can I reflect on His wounds at the cross and not feel passion and zeal?

It certainly seems that way! Only God Himself can rouse us to zeal, so we cry, "Give me life." The Psalmist pours out his entire soul in passionate plea. His body and soul pray together: "Turn my eyes," says the body, "Give me life," cries the soul. This prayer is fitting every day. Lord, hear it for me tonight.