Everyone has choices in life. Sure, circumstances can be tough and even unfair at times, but every one of us still has the freedom to choose how we will respond to situations and people. We can choose whether or not we will live a life of integrity.
There’s power in the choices we make; each choice leads to either life or death. I don’t know about you, but I want life! I want to be blessed by God. Here’s how you can have God’s blessings. Check out Psalm 1:1–3 (NKJV):
Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor stands in the path of sinners, nor sits in the seat of the scornful; but his delight is in the law of the LORD, and in His law he meditates day and night. He shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that brings forth its fruit in its season, whose leaf also shall not wither; and whatever he does shall prosper.
- Seek godly counsel.
Blessed is the one who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly. Those who do not have a heart for God cannot advise you in the will of God. They can only give counsel out of their own situation and experience; out of their own fear, doubt, and pride. You don’t want that kind of counsel. It will lead to regret. Godly counsel will lead you to make the right choice. The blessed path.
- Discern and avoid.
Blessed is the one who stands not in the path of sinners. Like a wise serpent, you must discern potential traps and avoid people and places that could lead you down a path of destruction. Keep your eyes and ears open. If you discern evil or even the possibility of it, go the other way. If you hang around sin, you’ll find yourself trapped in it.
- Avoid critical people.
Blessed is the one who doesn’t sit in the seat of the scornful, or of those who mock. Don’t keep company with those who mock God or criticize His people. As Christians, we should bring restoration, not destruction.
- Saturate yourself with God’s Word.
Blessed is the one whose delight is in the law of the Lord, and who meditates on it day and night. If you immerse yourself in God’s Word, it will become a part of you. And when the Word is a part of you, you will be blessed! You will become productive and successful in every season of life, no matter what your circumstances may be.
by Big James Henderson
Photo by Justin Luebke
