Write From My Heart
Psalm 1:1-2 (NLT) 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.
Just for a moment, examine your average day. How much time do you spend with those who mock God or in any way or to any degree exhibit traits you know are not pleasing in the site of God? You probably think you do fairly well at not “standing around with sinners.” Then I would have to ask, “Okay, fair enough, but how much television do you watch and how much of your time is spent with various computer feeds or social media venues?”
One does not have to be physically in the presence of pessimism to absorb it. We are bombarded daily with negativity through news media on television and computer news feeds; social media such as Facebook, Twitter, and the like; and yes, even actual socializing with those whose attitudes and outlook radiate all the problems in the world today. These things are the antithesis of Christlike character.
Everything in my Bible tells us not to focus on worries, struggles, problems, or sinful ways—yes they exist and we are not oblivious to the reality of corruption and evil around us—but we are called to place our entire focus on God. To delight in his Word! That is our source of continued optimism and joy—through God’s Word! It is the only successful way we are able to live within a corrupt world and still find hope by meditating on his Word throughout the day.
If you spend your time looking for trouble, looking for problems, looking for worries, imagining the worst case scenarios, finding all the ways something won’t work right for you, analyzing all the people who don’t measure up—you will never be disappointed. The harsh reality is that trouble is everywhere and you won’t have to look hard to find it. Is that how you really want to spend your time? Would you rather immerse yourself in daily baths of worldly corruption or immerse yourself in God’s Word? It’s your choice.
What should we avoid? What should NOT occupy our time?
Matthew 6:27 and 34 (NIV) Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life? … Therefore do not worry about tomorrow for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.
Ephesians 5:4, 7-12 (NLT) Obscene stories, foolish talk, and coarse jokes—these are not for you. Instead, let there be thankfulness to God. … Don’t participate in the things these people do. For once you were full of darkness, but now you have light from the Lord. So live as people of light! For this light within you produces only what is good and right and true. Carefully determine what pleases the Lord. Take no part in the worthless deeds of evil and darkness; instead, expose them. It is shameful to even talk about the things that ungodly people do in secret.
2 Corinthians 6:14-16 (NLT) Don’t team up with those who are unbelievers. How can righteousness be a partner with wickedness? How can light live with darkness? What harmony can there be between Christ and the devil? How can a believer be a partner with an unbeliever? And what union can there be between God’s temple and idols? For we are the temple of the living God.
1 Thessalonians 5:22 (NIV) Avoid every kind of evil.
Romans 12:2 (NIV) Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.
What should we embrace? What SHOULD occupy our time?
Luke 12:34 (NIV) For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
1 Thessalonians 5:16-17 (NLT) Always be joyful. Never stop praying. Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.
Romans 12:11-12 (NIV) Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.
Romans 5:1-2 (NIV) Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith in this grace in which we now stand. And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God.
Romans 15:5-6 and 13 (NIV) May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you a spirit of unity among yourselves as you follow Christ Jesus, so that with one heart and mouth you may glorify the God and father of our Lord Jesus Christ. … May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.
Psalm 119:11 (KJV) Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.
Psalm 19:14 (KJV) Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer.
Psalm 63:6-7 (NIV) On my bed I remember you; I think of you through the watches of the night. Because you are my help, I sing in the shadow of your wings.
Psalm 119:105 and 111 (NIV) Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path. … Your statutes are my heritage forever; they are the joy of my heart.
Philippians 4:8 (NLT) And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise.
Friends, I know this devotion has been a little lengthier than my usual posts. I am also aware that in today’s hurry-up-and-go world not many people will have the patience to read it all. Most will skim through it at best. Nevertheless, my goal is always to write what the Lord places on my heart because only he knows how and by whom it will be received.
So I conclude as I began. Where are you standing? What consumes the minutes of your day? Is the negativity that surrounds you saturating your mind and attitude away from Christ? Or are you standing secure and abiding in the positive flow of all that Christ has set before you to follow?
Gracious Heavenly Father,
Thank you for giving us your Word to use in stabilizing and bringing joy to our lives. Enable us to see those things of value to you. Help us resist the urge to fill our lives with things not pleasing in your site. As we see the world running away from you, remind us that we are called to stand firm in the light of your Word. Remind us also that we can only do so if we have first spent time reading, learning, understanding, and applying your Word.
In the name of Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior, Amen.
The devotional Where are you standing? appeared first on Write From My Heart at writefrommyheartblog.blogspot.com
email: Dotty Willmon, writefrommyheartblog@gmail.com
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