“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.”
“For your steadfast love is before my eyes,
and I walk in your faithfulness.
I do not sit with men of falsehood,
nor do I consort with hypocrites.
I hate the assembly of evildoers,
and I will not sit with the wicked.
I wash my hands in innocence
and go around your altar, O Lord,
proclaiming thanksgiving aloud,
and telling all your wondrous deeds.
O Lord, I love the habitation of your house
and the place where your glory dwells…
But as for me, I shall walk in my integrity;
redeem me, and be gracious to me.
My foot stands on level ground;
in the great assembly I will bless the Lord.” Psalm 1:1-4; 26:3-8,11-12
“Whoever walks with the wise becomes wise,
but the companion of fools will suffer harm.” Proverbs 13:20
The psalmists, themselves penning inspired words from God, highlight the supremacy of God’s word as the rule for life. A rhythm of fruitfulness is set by walking in faithfulness, the assembly of His people around His altar is the company of praise. Posture and place, including the company kept, matter.
Man was made to stand on two feet and to walk and work productively. Many are the warnings in Scripture against idleness. One can amble among sinners, busybodies, and hypocrites, and slouch sedentarily with scoffers, gossips, and complainers, or walk in step with the Spirit in wisdom and integrity. To walk Christ’s cadence along His paths is always the better choice. (Genesis 2:7-9,15; Galatians 5:16-17; 2 Thessalonians 3:11-13; 1 Timothy 5:13)
What is our spiritual posture? Are we complacent to sit and consort with scoffers and evildoers, or do we stand and serve courageously with the righteous? If we do not keep attuned and active in the word, we naturally settle into comfy malaise, sloth, and the contagion of corruption of idleness. What practices will we implement to get in stride with God’s word, and pursue fruitfulness?
“Stand up, stand up for Jesus,
the trumpet call obey;
forth to the mighty conflict,
in this His glorious day.
Ye that are brave now serve him
against unnumbered foes;
let courage rise with danger,
and strength to strength oppose.
Stand up, stand up for Jesus,
stand in His strength alone;
the arm of flesh will fail you,
ye dare not trust your own.
Put on the gospel armor,
each piece put on with prayer;
where duty calls or danger,
be never wanting there.
Stand up, stand up for Jesus,
the strife will not be long;
this day the noise of battle,
the next the victor’s song.
To him who over-cometh
a crown of life shall be;
they with the King of Glory
shall reign eternally.” ~George Duffield (1858)
Lord, make me bold to stand and walk with You.
As the rain and snow 