READ: PSALM 1
For the Lord watches over the path of the godly, but the path of the wicked leads to destruction. (V. 6)
The original tires on our vehicle needed replaced as they reached their useful tread life. I resorted to researching proper replacement tires on the web. It did not take long to find the recommended replacement tires and find a helpful site which gave me the pros and cons for each tire selection. This simplified the selection process as one tire stood out in terms of safety, traction in all types of weather, durability and tread wear life. This clear choice enhanced my vehicles safety performance where “the rubber meets the road!”
Today’s reading in Psalm 1, describes the pros and cons of the choices we can make when applying our foundational spiritual values to the road of life. First, knowing that our friends and associates have a profound influence upon us in direct or subtle ways, we must develop true friendships with those who would build up and not hinder our relationship with God. Second, if we seek to understand God’s will for our lives, we must read, study and mediate upon the Bible, His Holy Book of instruction. The more we understand the scope of God’s word, the more tread life and durability we have to help us navigate the roads of life without going flat. Third, it is of paramount importance that we stay immersed in a personal relationship with God through prayer and worship. This enables us to be like a tree soaking up water through its deep roots so that we might bear good fruit for our Sovereign Creator (John 15: 1-8) . Finally, we need to clearly understand that while the Lord watches us as we travel on our roads of life, we are not immune to failures, challenges and difficulties. However, staying fully attached to God and his word will give us the wisdom, energy, perseverance and knowledge needed to enhance our “tread wear time” on earth.
The alternative distinct choice we have is to follow the path of scoffers and unbelievers. This choice is marked by faithlessness which produces a hollow spiritual foundation and separation from God. Those on this road experience many blowouts: wear thin quickly; and have no hope for a quality life now or in the future. Not an attractive choice for anyone looking to meaningfully finish the race of life.
PAUSE FOR REFLECTION AND PRAYER
Life is full of choices, some clear and others clouded by the cares and concerns of this world. The clear choice that determines the quality of your life now, and for all eternity, is to pursue and maintain a close relationship with God.
Dear Father God, give me the wisdom and desire to choose a path for my life that is centered upon you.