Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

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Peace in the midst of Violence
Psalms 1
 
Gracious John 
St. Andrews MTC Yonkers, NY
1. Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked or stand in the way that sinners take  or sit in the company of mockers, 2 but whose delight is in the law of the Lord, and who meditates on his law day and night.
 
Do we think we are blessed? No, not the car we drive or the driveway we park it in, or our family life, or the job that pays for everything, but us... are we blessed?

Blessed comes from esher (content or happy) and esher comes from  ashar (right or straight). It reminds us to be content with our circumstances and to walk honest, clean, and pure lives. It mentions nothing of what we foolishly and readily substitute as blessed.

To be blessed requires us to refrain from that which God disapproves. The psalmist uses three main verbs: walk, stand, and sit. This is the pattern of the destructor. First we walk by or along, then we become more intrigued and stand around, until finally we are so involved  and comfortable that we grab a front row seat. A pattern that the world conveniently makes so accessible.  

We must meditate day and night. This is the challenge that we are charged with. Do we invest the same time and effort to meditate on the Lord as we do for our worldly blessings? What a challenge! Only then can we be blessed and be fruitful. Our blessed lives are meant to be an example for those walking, standing, and sitting in darkness. So let us ponder the question for a moment, are we blessed?

PRAYER


Dear Lord, help us to invest our days and nights that You have given us, on knowing You more, that we may live blessed lives for You. Amen

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY:
"Blessedness is to be found in true repentance, a willingness to forsake and turn from sin, and turn to God and His righteousness." David Legge 

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