Psalm 1:1-3, New Living Translation

“Oh, the joys of those who do not follow the advice of the wicked, or stand around with sinners, or join in with mockers. But they delight in the law of the LORD, meditating on it day and night. They are like trees planted along the riverbank, bearing fruit in each season. Their leaves never wither, and they prosper in all they do.”

The things of this world are temporal, even if afflictions. Yet in this knowledge, it seems like there is something always gripping us… vying for our attention… distracting us. These things can evoke a response from us that comes from our emotions. I recently heard a pastor say, “It’s ok to respond with emotion, but balance it with truth.” That really hit home with me because there are times I deal with things by emotions, which can lead to an even bigger mess. 

Psalm 1:1-3 (NLT) says, “Oh, the joys of those who do not follow the advice of the wicked, or stand around with sinners, or join in with mockers. But they delight in the law of the LORD, meditating on it day and night. They are like trees planted along the riverbank, bearing fruit in each season. Their leaves neither either, and they prosper in all they do.”

I want this scripture to be me. I want this scripture to be you, to prosper as the tree by the waters. Speaking for myself, I believe some work needs to be done in my heart. Am I spending enough time in God’s word (meditating)? Am I allowing God’s word to go from head knowledge to heart knowledge? Am I seeking the kingdom of God first?

We can find ourselves looking at everything that is going wrong, or we think I had going wrong, and miss what God is doing our wants to do in our lives. If we believe that God is good and that every good and perfect gift comes from Him, then why are we being consumed by negative? Why are we allowing fear to control us? Are we afraid of the joy, and blessings and happiness that God has waiting for us? 

These are the questions I ask myself too. 

What is the emotion you are feeling? What scripture can you use to balance it with truth? Romans 12:2 (NLT) says, “Don’t copy the behaviors and customs of the world, but let God transform you into a new person by the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.”

I would like us to consider who we are spending time with also. Proverbs 24:1-4 (NLT) says, “Don’t envy evil people or desire their company. For their hearts plot violence, and their words always stir up trouble. A house is built by wisdom and becomes strong through good sense. Through knowledge, its rooms are filled with all sorts of precious riches and valuables.” Make sure you are seeking counsel from godly people. They will give sound advice that encourages you in the Lord. Negative people will only keep you in your negative thoughts and ideas. Don’t let negativity steal your precious riches and valuables. 

I think we all need this reminder, self-included. It’s not that we have failed. We are learning to rely on God, to trust Him and to trust Him at His Word. It’s making a conscious effort at spending time with Him and in His words so we can know Him and know and trust God’s Word. 

Praise God, we serve a risen Savior that meets us right where we are! Invite Him into your heart and your situation. Let Him guide you, and trust that He will help you! Position yourself in a place of surrender and expectation of what God will do. Let the finished power of the cross of Jesus Christ do miracles in and through you. And thank God, for He is good. Amen.