“Blessed is the man
who walks not in the counsel of the wicked,
nor stands in the way of sinners,
nor sits in the seat of scoffers;
but his delight is in the law of the Lord,
and on his law he meditates day and night.
He is like a tree
planted by streams of water
that yields its fruit in its season,
and its leaf does not wither.
In all that he does, he prospers.
The wicked are not so,
but are like chaff that the wind drives away.” Psalm 1:1-4
“For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery… Walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh… If we live by the Spirit, let us also keep in step with the Spirit.” Galatians 5:1,16,25
“Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap. For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life. And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up. So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith.” Galatians 6:7-10
A man’s blessedness has everything to do with his position in regard to God’s word. The blessing of God comes to the one who walks, stands, and sits with Him, yet is withheld when he does not. A pattern of good living, a bold confidence, and a firm foundation grounded and soaked in the living Word ensure His gracious benediction. Those decisions put into motion a lifestyle that pleases Him, bears much fruit, and stands apart from the world’s ways. The choice and call to delight in the Lord and not be deceived are clear.
The carrying out of that call is a long journey in the same direction. Step by step, intention by intention, day by day, when God’s children immerse themselves in His law they will grow roots and flourish with spiritual fruit wherever God leads. The workplace, the home, neighborhood, relationships, and ministries, everywhere he walks will bear the footprint of the Almighty. It will permeate with the fragrance of His presence, the touch of His wisdom and grace. (2 Corinthians 2:15)
The warning for us is to check our positions and keep them in balance. Are we frenzied in busy activity that has escaped the quiet conferring of His insight, the setting of His compass? Would we walk instead at His tempo, in His direction? Have we grown complacent to stand with and parrot complainers? Are we spiritually slouching, weary of doing good, unconcerned about His world, and closed to fresh instruction from His Word? Do we meditate on what is lofty, or worldly? Do we instead fixate? When are we silent and undistracted, jealously and intentionally taking time to worship and listen to God’s voice? Life established in Christ is indeed blessed.
Lord, keep me faithful in my sitting, standing, and walking, that I might bear fruit for the benefit of those around me and to Your glory.
As the rain and snow 