Luke 1
Psalm 1
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.
3 That person is like a tree planted by streams of water,
which yields its fruit in season
and whose leaf does not wither—
whatever they do prospers.4 Not so the wicked!
They are like chaff
that the wind blows away.
5 Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgment,
nor sinners in the assembly of the righteous.6 For the Lord watches over the way of the righteous,
but the way of the wicked leads to destruction.Psalm 1:1-6
Is it worth it?
Is it worth walking in righteousness? That is, is it worth walking in the way that pleases and honours God in a world that seems to have rejected Him wholesale? Is it worth avoiding the downward spiral caused by bad company (whether walking with them, standing with them or even sitting with them) – especially when it seems they have more fun? Is it worth pursuing the daily disciplines of Bible reading and prayer; developing a life of godliness in a world where there is so much competing for our time and energy? Is it worth it?
Psalm 1 assures us that it most definitely is!
The path of righteousness is the path that leads to blessing – blessed are those on it. They are the ones in right standing and right relationship with the Creator, Redeemer & Judge of the universe.
The path of righteousness is the path that leads to fruitfulness. Like a well-watered and nurtured fruit tree; the righteous produce the fruit in keeping with their standing – whether the fruit of Christian character that overflows from within them or the fruit of Christian conduct as they love their neighbours and serve them in acts of kindness and mercy. They yield fruit season after season. And, although things don’t always go as they had planned (and sometimes not even as they desire), their pursuit of righteousness always prevails – they prosper in it as they are daily conformed to the likeness of Jesus.
The path of righteousness leads to protection – both today and tomorrow. The great assurance for the righteous is that they are God’s and that He watches over them – every step of the way. There is never a time when He is not with them or watching over them to fulfil His plans for them. His watching and protecting them is their ultimate security for eternal life & blessing. It is because He watches over us that we can be assured of eternity – our hope and assurance is in Him and His protection of His righteous people. Unlike the wicked who have nothing to look forward to; we have the assurance that, with God watching over us, we will always arrive at our eternal home!
Is the way of righteousness worth it? It most certainly is. So don’t give up – persevere; don’t be distracted – stay the course. Blessed is the way of the righteous!