Adapted from 'Living and Dying Under the Blessing of God: Psalm 1' by Walter J. Chantry. The Banner of Truth December 2008
Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked Or stand in the way of sinners or sit in the seat of mockers. 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, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither.
At the end of one year and the start of another it is good to examine ourselves. 2 Corinthians 13:5 Is our pathway straight? Or have we begun to deviate from the Way of God? Matthew 7:13-14
It is possible to make choices which distance us from godly friends. It is possible to drift into the entwining of our lives in ever deeper relationships with the ungodly, with sinners, with blasphemous mockers. 1 Thessalonians 5:21-22 Do we need a fresh resolve to cherish and protect godly companionships for us and for our children? Should we withdraw from relationships with harmful, sinful influences? What are we watching on TV and DVDs? What are we listening to on the radio and our ipods? Ephesians 5:15-16 From what sinful entanglements do we need to free ourselves? Hebrews 12:1
Have the times spent and the discipline exercised in Scripture meditation declined? When iniquity abounds the love of the Word and of good books cools. Amos 8:11, Matthew 24:12 Have we even made a series of choices which diminish our presence in a biblical church? Should a correction of course be taken because we value Gods blessing above all temporal acquisitions?
Are our spiritual leaves withering? Is our fruitfulness in Christian grace and service obviously drying up? It is possible for genuine Christians to have seasons of relative dryness and lack of productivity. But if we long to remain under the care of God and to find success in our devotion to Him, we must keep watch over our souls. 1 Corinthians 16:13 We cannot allow our walk to veer off into sheer worldliness and neglect of heavenly matters.
We must surround ourselves with those who love and obey the Lord. And we must fill our thoughts with His Word. When we draw near to God again we have His promise that He will draw near to us with renewed grace. Proverbs 8:17, James 4:8
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