Out of the Muck

Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked or stand in the way of sinners or sit in the seat of mockers. But his delight is in the law of the LORD, and on his law he meditates day and night. He is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither. Whatever he does prospers.
Psalm 1:1-3

Delight in God’s word sounds like something every Christian wants. We want to understand, grow and apply God’s word to the relationships and decisions of our life. Yet our busyness, laziness, and all the other “ness’s” cause our delight to flutter away, and instead of our souls being watered by God’s truth, we are blown around like a dead autumn leaf.

Without soul delight in God’s law, we are in danger of taking counsel from the wicked. This stagnates into accepting the way of sinners and plops us down into God-mocking muck. Too many Christians disregard scripture and begin this horrible progression away from God. No, Christian aims to be stuck in spiritual muck, but if your delight is misplaced this is the inevitable destination.

Look at the miracle of taking delight in the law of God. A tree yields regular fruit and the leaves never fall from the tree; in effect, it is a vibrant ever-living tree. God uses his word to make strong, fruit-bearing, leaf-holding people. Our conversations, entertainment choices, physical care, worship, actions, and friendships are dependent on the flood of God’s wisdom from scripture being heard, understood, and obeyed. We do not have to ask permission to obey God’s word; we are freely guided by it in our decisions, attitudes, and actions. This grows a life continually nourished and watered by an encounter with God’s truth.
This may not come easily if you have been stuck in the muck, but the pathway to life is just a page turn away. Let me encourage you to pray for strength, begin to read the Bible daily, and take delight in all of God’s wisdom and counsel. Start today, and you will prosper as one rescued from the muck and strongly planted in the Lord.

Spirit of the Living God,
Fill our hearts with a desire for You and Your word. Shape and form us by the truth of the Bible as we see the world, our lives, and Your character more clearly. Let us find delight in all that you have told us and be eager to share it with others. We want to be vibrant, like an ever-living tree as we follow your good way. Help us we pray in Christ’s name, Amen