Walking in the Word
You probably didn’t count the times you heard or said, “Happy New Year,” but you will likely hear it a few more times before it fades completely away until next year. Throughout the centuries, there seems to be a tension concerning what is a religious holiday versus a secular holiday. Somewhere in the fourth or fifth century, the church condemned the celebration of the new year as pagan. As is the case with most holidays, we can certainly choose whether we will use our celebration in ways that are consistent with our faith or whether our celebrations ignore who we are in Christ.
The book of Psalms opens with a clear path to living a life that honors God and one that does not. If we want to celebrate God’s blessings in this new year, then we will need to be careful about where we walk, stand, and sit. Psalms 1:1 says:
“Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers.”
Where we walk and who we walk with makes a difference in how our character is shaped and determines whether we live fruitful and productive lives that are blessed by God. Each day is a gift from God where we can choose whether we will walk in the counsel of the wicked or delight in the ways and words of God. Verse two of this psalm gives us a beautiful description of what happens when we focus on God’s promises and his word:
“…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 that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither. In all that he does, he prospers.”
What would this year look like and end like if we chose to spend time delighting in and meditating on God’s word? For one, we would more easily know what is from the counsel of the wicked and avoid their paths. We also would be assured that the things we do will be more productive because we are rooted in God’s truth and promises.
Celebrating New Year’s Day is one thing, but choosing to celebrate the life of God every day will result in experiencing the blessings of God which will cascade into our lives, being fruitful in ways that bring God glory and will help those around us experience God’s goodness through us.
Father, thank you for the gift of each new day. Thank you for giving us the scriptures that teach us how to live. Today we chose to spend time in your word and in your presence. Fill us with your Spirit so that our lives reflect your grace and love to those around us. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Your Time with God’s Word
Psalm 1:1-6 ESV
Photo by NEOM on Unsplash
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