Following A Different Path

Following A Different Path

Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful.

Psalm 1:1

It is always good for us to know what will not work, as well as what will work. It is interesting that this Psalm, the door to the Divine Hymnal, begins with a negative statement; ‘Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful.’ It would be very easy to take such a text and begin to loudly decry the depravity of the human condition, and to denounce all the ways in which wicked humanity repudiates the ways of God. Yet, let us rather contemplate the positive aspects of this text. What has brought this ‘man,’ to the place where he is so ‘blessed?’  Why is it that he is following a different path than the verse describes as characterizing the ungodly? Simply put, Christ makes the difference. It is not because this man is intrinsically superior. It is not because he has, of himself, ‘made right choices,’ or ‘decided for Christ.’ It is because God has, in grace, and abundant mercy, done a marvelous work in him. The Holy Spirit has granted unto him regeneration, given repentance, and bestowed faith to believe. As the result of this overwhelming, God-wrought transformation, this man now,  ‘walks not’ in the counsel of the ungodly.’  The gracious work of God is what sets us upon ‘the road less travelled.’ We rejoice in the Mercy and Grace of God, especially as He has manifested it in Christ, Who has caused us to be so ‘blessed.’ We are what we are, by the grace of God.

Our Gracious and Loving God,
we praise You for the transformation You make in our lives,
and the path upon which You set us,
which leads us ever onward, into Your Glorious Presence.

Tomm Tice
Where the Bush is Burning