September Beacon
“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.” (Psalm 1:1-2)
A man named Howard Taylor once said, “If you take care of the things that are dear to God, He will take care of the things that are dear to you.” Do you think what he said is true? Have you seen that take place in your life or with others?
Are you under or in God’s “keeping?”
God will “keep” you as the apple of His eye. (Psalm 17:8)
He will “keep” you in all your ways. (Psalm 91:11)
He will “keep” that which you have committed to Him against that day. (II Timothy 1:12)
He will “keep” you as a shepherd cares for his flock of sheep. (Jeremiah 31:10)
He will “keep” you in perfect peace. (Isaiah 26:3)
He will “keep” you from the hour of temptation and support you in the time of trial. (I Corinthians 10:13)
He will “keep” you from falling. (Jude 24)
Psalm 1 tells of a life that is distant from the wicked, from sinners, and from mockers. Is that the life you want? Would a person be more likely to be under God’s care if that kind of life was sought? We live in an age of willful sin and wicked evil. How can we live apart from it or be shielded from it?
The Psalmist continued with a message about “delighting in” God’s Word. He spoke of being immersed in it on a daily basis. Later he tells of the benefits of such a life. Can you attest to this? Could you tell someone about how good it is to live for the Lord and be guided by His eternal Word? Maybe your life has been blessed in many ways. Has your relationship to God and His Word had anything to do with the favor you have experienced?
Verse 3 may resonate with how God has blessed you: “He is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither. Whatever he does prospers.” Fruitful, strong, and growing – hopefully you have given thanks for how He has been “keeping” you.
In contrast, the Psalmist points to an empty existence that does not end well for some. It is as if they “blow away” in the wind and eventually find themselves apart from righteousness.
Life for all is summarized by the Psalmist in the closing verse: “For the LORD watches over the way of the righteous, but the way of the wicked will perish.” (vs. 6)
I trust that you are being “kept” by our Savior as you continue to yield your life to Him.
Pastor Lerud