WALKING IN STEP WITH GOD

Psalm 1:1-3 New International Version

“Blessed are those who do not walk in step with the wicked or stand in the way that sinners take or sit in the company of mockers, but who delight in the law of the Lord and meditate on his law day and night. They are like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither—whatever they do prospers.”        

       If you look up the word ‘blessed’ it says endowed with divine favor and protection. Those who are children of God, who have received the forgiveness of God through the sacrificial death of His Son Jesus Christ, are blessed. We are called to live lives that fall in line with the standards set by our Heavenly Father. We are also recipients of His limitless grace. Grace is favor we do not deserve on our own; it is given to us in spite of ourselves and our natural inclinations. It is as the Holy Spirit of God begins to make interior alterations to us that our natural inclinations begin to change, slowly making us more like our Heavenly Father. We no longer have the same desires we once had. We no longer wish to ‘walk in step’ with non-believers. Slowly we become more conscience of His presence in our lives. We begin to make decisions based on how God sees things.

       We are largely unaware of what we need in our lives. Even as believers we don’t realize that the more we delight in obeying the Lord the more spiritually fruitful we will become. Our allegiance is voluntary, for God desires willing followers. It’s our choice; we don’t have to follow Christ.  We can live as we choose; however, as scripture reveals, ‘that which we sow, so shall we reap’.⁽¹⁾ We are to read and know His laws and precepts for in them is life and right living; living that brings joy, peace, hope and fulfillment. 

       In contrast to the verses above, those who do the opposite of that which is portrayed in this Psalm shall be like a tree planted in dry, cracked soil. They shall bear no fruit and their leaves shall wither and fall off.  Rather than prosper, they shall die. Which tree are you?  Until next time, walk with the King and be a blessing!!

Resource: The Life Application Study Bible, published by Tyndale House.

⁽¹⁾ “Do not be misled: God is not mocked. For whatever a man might sow, that also he will reap.” (Galatians 6:7) – Berean Literal Bible, published by Bible Hub.

Note: “As there are two sorts of sowing, one to the flesh, and the other to the Spirit, so will the reckoning be hereafter. Those who live a carnal, sensual life, must expect no other fruit from such a course than misery and ruin. But those who, under the guidance and influences of the Holy Spirit, live a life of faith in Christ, and abound in Christian graces, shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting.” – Matthew Henry Commentary re: Galatians 6:6-11.