It’s a question I have to ask myself daily. Actually, multiple times a day, because every decision I make takes me in a direction. If I’m scrolling social media and a negative or immoral post pops up, (to which there are plenty!) I have to choose if I’m going to linger there in that place or quickly scroll past. Am I going to comment or leave it alone? Once that decision is made, what will be the effect? Oh my stars, life can be hard! But it doesn’t have to be. God knew about Social media and any other thing in our life when He gave David or Ezra (it’s been said to be one or the other) the words of Psalm 1 to pen around 444 B.C.
I find it interesting that sin is sin, no matter the century. And although we may struggle in various ways throughout the centuries, the way they vary, isn’t by much. Perhaps only by technique.
As I begin to ponder the upcoming 2025, I truly want my relationship with God to be deeper and my walk steady. Nothing in my life is ever very steady. I fluctuate daily on focus, attitude, and strength, both physically and spiritually. Lord, help me to be a better Shari. If this is your story too, pray that prayer with your name and let’s study together.
The Way of the Righteous
Psalm 1:1-6
Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. [2] But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night. [3] And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.
I have a hard time thinking of myself as righteous. I know the level of wickedness that can be within me at any time. But my righteousness does not come from any means of my own, but rests entirely upon the righteousness of my salvation by the blood of Jesus Christ. He saved me even knowing my struggle to keep a pure mind, a good attitude and a focus on Him.
Psalm 1:1 reminds us that our daily surroundings are fundamental to our ability to focus on the things of God. We cannot walk, stand or sit with wickedness of this world, whether it is in the form of people, media or any other type of exposure. Yes it’s there, right in front of us in this world, but we can move out of its path if we so choose. The problem is we often choose to linger far longer than we should, allowing the corrupt world to penetrate our thoughts and sew seeds of doubt, immorality, anger, etc. in our minds and hearts that take root very deep. But the word of the Lord acts as a weed killer and gets in there, uprooting that ugliness that we allowed to enter and then washes it away, planting fruits of godliness in its stead. But we have to be in His word. Opening it up daily. The inward body is no different than the outward. It has to be cleansed. It is in His word that we find strength. I understand withering. I’ve felt that way for over a year. That I was withering away because of so many things in my life that are happening right now. And then I read these words… and suddenly I feel as if God just watered my soul and my withered self is unfolding and reaching toward the Heaven in praise! Can you feel it too?
The Way of the Unrighteous
[4] The ungodly are not so: but are like the chaff which the wind driveth away. [5] Therefore the ungodly shall not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous.
There is a separation from “all things God” that the lost (those who do not know Jesus) are not even aware of. You cannot experience God if He’s not in your heart. What a very sad statement. And I know how sad because until 1996 I had never truly experienced the Lord. I knew of God, but I did not KNOW GOD.
2 Corinthians 5:17 tells us 17 Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you.
There has to be a time when you come out of the sinful world you’re in and begin walking in the newness of Christ. When you begin to form a relationship with God as a very real Person in your life. Walking with Him. Not the world. Sitting with Him. Not the world. And finding delight in Him, again… not the world. The world wants you to be judgmental, miserable, covetous and envious. God wants you to be satisfied… which is the epitome of happiness.
When I am unsteady, it reminds me of my life before Christ. I know I’m not living the way God intended because He is the Rock of my salvation. He does not move.
In Him I find all in need for this day and every day.
The Way of God
[6] For the LORD knoweth the way of the righteous: but the way of the ungodly shall perish.
God knows the way, and He knows you and I. He knows we struggle. But we don’t have to. In his word we can find our direction every day for every issue we face. In 444 BC it might have been a naked woman on the roof top. Today may be a naked body on social media. Different day, different technique of exposure, same sin. Were it not for God’s mercy David would have perished. But we will meet King David in eternity someday because He knew God.
Do you know Him? If not, there’s a salvation link on the top of my blog, please follow the link and learn Who Jesus is. If you do now Him, and like me you struggle daily to stay in tune with Him. Turn to His word daily. It’s a “spiritual wash cloth” as and an old preacher friend of mine once said. Bathe in His glory!!!