relationships (Psalm 1:1-6) Choosing a Path to Flourish

(Psalm 1:1-6) 

1   Blessed is the person who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked,
     Nor stand in the path of sinners,
     Nor sit in the seat of scoffers!
2   But his delight is in the Law of the Lord,
     And on His Law he meditates day and night.
3   He will be like a tree planted by streams of water,
     Which yields its fruit in its season,
     And its leaf does not wither;
     And in whatever he does, he prospers.

4   The wicked are not so,
     But they are like chaff which the wind blows away.
5   Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgment,
     Nor sinners in the assembly of the righteous.
6   For the Lord knows the way of the righteous,
     But the way of the wicked will perish.

TODAY'S THOUGHTS AND MEDITATION:

Unbelievers do not know or understand "the way of the righteous".  Their thinking is, in essence, the complete opposite of what God teaches us in His word.  So why would we even entertain the idea of seeking counsel from the world?  Let alone being part of their plans and shenanigans?  Or even just putting ourselves in a position where we could be swept up in their path of deceit and destruction?  

And yet how many Christians don't (initially) see an issue with finding a spouse, or bff, who is not a believer... until they do realize the issues.  Just ask any serious believer who is married to an unbeliever.  They live it every day and understand the spiritual tug-of-war and temptation to compromise their faith in the Lord.  Not that a marriage or friendship between two believers will be perfect, without some disagreements, because to make any relationship work - requires lots of work.  But when we are all growing closer to the Lord, we will grow closer to each other.

Consider this:  as individuals, we are healthier (spiritually, mentally, emotionally and physically) when we have close friends with other mature believers.  Back in the day, I was living in a small satellite campus of a Christian liberal arts college, while attending a state university.  One semester, because in my mind I had placed unfair and unrealistic expectations on the Christian students, I saw that they did not "measure up".  So, I sought out closer friendships with my secular acquaintances.  

The secular friends appeared to be more open-minded, and I even had a few opportunities to share the gospel.  But it didn't take very long to find myself being spiritually drained and depleted.  One has to know themselves and see the possible pits and temptations that we can fall into.  While praying about this, I found myself talking to a fellow believer back at the satellite campus - someone I hadn't yet bothered to get to know because we were quite different from each other.  I was studying radio, television and film, while she was - a math major!  BUT what was the same?  We both loved the Lord.

As we got to know each other better, it turns out, she became one of my closest friends.  As we encouraged we each other in our walk with the Lord, what do you know - my whole being shifted back towards God - like a breath of fresh air, I was revitalized in His strength, wisdom, peace and joy!  Oh - and - contentment.  Understand that people will always let us down, because no one is perfect.  Only God can make us feel content, complete and fulfilled.

Therefore, the path we choose to walk will make a critical difference.  When we are walking on the path of the Lord, we will find good and valuable friends with the other believers who are also walking in the same direction.  Those who are well-grounded in the Lord will provide encouragement and sound advice.  To embrace biblical wisdom and guidance will provide nourishment.  To seek out God and His will as we go through life, will certainly help us to flourish!