pausing in the first psalm: standing in sinner's way (part 3)

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. But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night. And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper. The ungodly are not so: but are like the chaff which the wind driveth away. Therefore the ungodly shall not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous. For the LORD knoweth the way of the righteous: but the way of the ungodly shall perish. (Psalms 1; KJV)

Today, let's continue to learn about the life of the “blessed” – one who is highly favored in the eyes of God. Let's move forward and meditate on what scripture says in Psalm 1 about the profile of the "unblessed" candidate in order to understand what we must NOT DO... how we should not live. Yesterday, we discussed the unblessed woman who is willingly receptive to walk in ungodly counsel. Today, let's consider the next backward form of progression that is listed about the unblessed mentioned in this passage.

“Blessed is the (wo)man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly... nor standeth in the way of sinners..."

Ah, the sinner's way. This is the place where rebellion against God is practiced openly. This is where man's corruption is welcome. Where half-truths reign. Where lusts are fed. Where wrong-doings are joked about. Where profanity, nudity, and immorality are received as commonplace. Where violence is viewed as entertainment. Where over consumption is natural. The sinners way is draped in beauty and oozing with appeal. It is a place full of attractive promises and offers many compliments for perverted egos and hoarding spirits. This is where the unblessed woman camps... where her sanctuary is constructed. For she would rather establish her home in an earthly tent than in a customized mansion of God's eternal kingdom. This is where the unblessed woman builds her altar and places her idols. This is where she feeds her selfish cravings and avoids the Master's law as much as possible.

There are infinite paths that lead the ungodly woman to the place of sin. But once she starts walking in the counsel of her own reason and leaving the wisdom of her Creator, she will inevitably begin to choose her way over His and will turn from the holy will of the Father. This is so dangerous. For the sinner's way ultimately influences the unblessed woman to cast off her fear of the Lord by initiating a separation of relationship and neglecting His presence in her life. (A life that cannot exist without the love of Almighty God - the same God with whom she rejects.)

By choosing to stand in the way of sinners, the unblessed woman has chosen to openly rebel against God's law. She has deliberately decided to break His good commandments no matter what the repercussion... no matter what the cost. Her rebellion is usually accomplished in both subtle and obvious ways. It exists in what she watches, reads, and listens to. It is evident in the words she speaks, the thoughts she ponders, the places she visits, the pleasures she ingests, the activities she engages in, and the people with whom she keeps company. Once in a while, she may hear the quiet, loving voice of the Spirit calling her home. But she is quick to dismiss Him when the easy way of the world seems so much more... well, easy!

Most of the time, the unblessed woman who claims to be a Christian usually uses her own ungodly counsel to minimize the magnitude of her sinful stand. She credits herself as "less sinful" than others and rationalizes her way to still be worthy of God's favor. She does not consider it a concern to "sneak in" a few discrepancies that directly contradict His law. No, these are not a concern as long as she keeps them discreet and under control. A white lie spoken... a swear word tucked under her breath... a television show comically portraying an inappropriate situation... an entertaining movie with brief violence and nudity... a novel acclaiming unholy relations... a song encouraging evil doing... a motive to get more, gain more, be more, see more, enjoy more, feel more... all of these are surely acceptable if kept on the down-low, right?

Furthermore, the unblessed woman regularly convinces herself that some sinful ways are justified because of the unique circumstances that surround them. God will excuse her wrongdoing as right - because clearly her situation is different and more challenging than any other person who has ever lived. In these instances, His law, His preferences, and His ways must not completely apply to her, right? In these times, His word is really more of a suggestion rather than a lamp to her feet and a light for her path... right? No, here the unblessed woman rationalizes that God's word is not absolute and unchanging. Why? Because she feels her situation is unique... because her wants are more "worthy" than His ways.

Hmmm.

"Blessed is the (wo)man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly... nor standeth in the way of sinners."

Ladies, the way of sin is never a viable option for the blessed woman. It is a place that worsens the relationship with our precious Savior while hardening the hearts of those camping comfortably under the covers of false fulfillment. It is an easy, easy place to walk. It is a dangerous, dangerous place to stand.

I encourage you to consider where you have planted yourself. What have you allowed into your life... into God's holy temple... into the presence of the Redeemer? Are your ways the same as His ways? Are your activities, decisions, thoughts, and motives in compliance with the King's perfect, healthy decrees? Or have your lusts, longings, wants, and desires ruled? Who's law are you abiding by? In what place are you standing?

Consider this question very carefully: According to God's word, are you indeed blessed?

Tomorrow we will wrap up the first part of this series and finish looking at the backward progression of the unblessed woman while considering what we must avoid in order to maintain God's favor. Please continue to meditate over Psalm 1. Let's pray for God to teach us, mold us, and renew us in Jesus. This is the day to be blessed, ladies! This is the day to seek our King's favor!!!

LOVE!

~Victoria

© 2010 The Devoted Woman | Victoria Anderson