Oh, the joys of those who do not follow evil men’s advice, who do not hang around with sinners, scoffing at the things of God. But they delight in doing everything God wants them to, and day and night are always meditating on his laws and thinking about ways to follow him more closely. They are like trees along a riverbank bearing luscious fruit each season without fail. Their leaves shall never wither, and all they do shall prosper. But for sinners, what a different story! They blow away like chaff before the wind. They are not safe on Judgment Day; they shall not stand among the godly. For the Lord watches over all the plans and paths of godly men, but the paths of the godless lead to doom. (Psalm 1)
God charts the road we take - are we staying on course with that charted path? Don't really know how to answer that question? Those who aren't quick to just accept whatever 'plan' or 'scheme' a man might set out before them - these are the ones who are staying the course. Those who keep company with upright and godly people who serve to spur them on in their walk - they are on course. Those who are eager in their obedience to the things of God - steady and sure. Those who listen intently and seek to learn all that God teaches - on course. How are you stacking up? On course?
Those who allow God to chart their course find themselves in a place of safety and continual renewal. While we are never without problems in this world, we can know this place of protection and 'refilling' by remaining on course with him. We might think this 'day and night meditating' thing is like some type of 'mystical trance' we must maintain, but it is merely calling him to mind as we go throughout our day - paying close attention the tiny nudges his Spirit brings - openly acknowledging we don't know what to do when we don't rather than just plotting on ahead in the darkness. Meditating is really 'ruminating' - a big word that describes the process of pondering.
Anyone who knows me will admit I am one who 'ponders'. I don't act quickly, unless life or limb is in danger. I research, ruminate a bit, research some more, ponder the things I have learned, and eventually make a move in the direction I want to go. It is a process of 'cogitation' I go through. As a matter of fact, I sometimes tell them I am going to have to 'cogitate' on it a bit - I am just admitting I need to ponder! I am going through the process of deliberating and reflecting - eventually I will have weighed the details and options before me - then I act. This isn't dragging my feet - it is me trying to be deliberate about the things I think God wants me to do, be engaged in, or leave behind.
How about you? Are you a 'cogitator' like me? Do you spend time ruminating over what God brings in your times of study with him until you see how the truth begins to affect your life? Do you find yourself seeking 'roots' instead of 'quick growth'? If this describes you - you are definitely on course! So keep going! You aren't dragging your feet - you are learning to live obediently and this may actually take some 'pondering'! Just sayin...
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