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.

Psalm 1: 1-3

Several years ago, I had the opportunity to teach my grandson how to drive. After weeks of making good progress, he turns to me in all seriousness and asks, “So Grandma, these speed limits, they are just suggestions, right?”

I explained to him that they were not. In spite of the fact that we were being passed by a number of drivers while we drove the speed limit, these limits are law, not suggestions, regardless of how others regard them. Laws that were set in place for our safety.

In like manner, God has established laws in His words. Laws that are not suggestions although we are free to regard them as such. God is not a control freak looking for power. God’s laws are placed for our protection, our safety and provision for a fruitful journey. We always have the choice to obey or not to obey. Obeying God’s commands is something we do not to earn God’s love, we already have more of His love than we can ever even comprehend. Obeying is done because of our love for Him. If worship can be defined as acknowledging God for who He is then when we obey Him out of love it is a form of worship.

These verses from Psalm 1 tell us of the benefits of delighting in His law and walking in rightness with that Law. We will be blessed.

We will be fruitful.

We will be blessed.

When faced with a temptation that we know does not line up with God’s word, we have to ask our self which is more important – serving God or serving self. Who do I love more – Him or me?

Father, thank You for Your word and the promises contained in them. Forgive me for the times I have come to You for the fulfillment of a promise all the while neglecting to meditate and delight myself in Your commands. Help me to be obedient to Your commands and please show me quickly when I am not walking in obedience. I want to be that tree firmly planted by rivers of water so that I will remain fruitful but I need Your grace to do that. Help me to worship You through obedience, in Jesus’ name, amen.

I would love to hear from you. Please let me know if I can be praying for you as well. God bless you!

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