Delight...

I was thinking about Psalm 1 today, and I recalled that it says, "his delight is in the Law of the LORD." The meaning, of course, is that the godly man rejects the counsel of evil men, and responds instead to the "Law of the LORD."  By this the writer means more than the 10 commandments--he means the "Torah," the written message of God for that time.
However, my focus moved instantly to the word "Delight," because, strange as it may seem, I had never really thought about just that word in this context.
So.  Delight.  He delights in the message of God.  He enjoys it, it gives him pleasure, and he finds it beautiful.  But why?
Well, because we live in a world full of confusion, especially as to how to live. The godly man knows that the counsel of evil men is not for him, but what should he use in its place as the direction for his life?  He has the answer--the "Law of the LORD." It directs him, strengthens his character and resolve, and makes him aware of how to live, even in an age full of hatred, evil, confusion.  It makes him like a tree that never goes dry, like a fruit tree in a perpetual summer.
His delight in the Law is based on the effects God's message has on his life.  He starts by knowing it's right, that it has qualities no other words do. He continues by allowing the teachings God gives him flow into his spirit, enlighten his mind, and direct his life.  This is definitely not about "church," or religion.  It's about God speaking to your soul, telling you things that are only yours, from His message.
God's message to you strengthens you, gives life, gives blessing, makes you productive, makes you continually prosper, wherever you are, whatever you do.
It takes time, though.  A tree doesn't grow up overnight become fruitful and productive, no matter what the conditions.
So the lessons I'm taking away from this for myself are these:
1. Keep reading God's message.
2. Find what's specific for me.
3. Focus on details as well as the big picture. Sometimes it's just a word that gives you His teaching for you today.
4. Jesus said, "He who has ears to hear, let him hear," so I always need to have my ears attuned to Him.  He speaks often.  This morning it was when I was making coffee.

Thank You, Lord!

God deserves our thanks.  He does.  Despite the evil in the world we live in, there is so much to enjoy, so many things for which to be grateful.
So here are some of my own "thanksgivings":
I (at least apparently) have been gifted with good health.  I was able to go out on my bike for a while before Thanksgiving dinner, and the day was really beautiful.
Thank you Lord.

I had a very good Thanksgiving meal, and I didn't over-eat.  For those who know me, this was an achievement, but some time ago I pledged to myself and to the Lord to enjoy the quality of my food rather than the quantity.  He's certainly helped with this.

I enjoyed the company of good friends, and good conversation.  I am now enjoying a comfortable chair, and reflecting on the year gone by, with its challenges, problems, and blessings. The blessings have definitely outnumbered the problems and challenges.

Nobody knows what the future holds, but the best thing of all is that I know my life will not end, because I belong to the Lord.  My body, like everyone else's, will not last forever, but I am His and He is mine--forever.

Here are some thoughts on gratefulness by a health doc whom I read with some regularity.  While it is apparent that he and I don't share faith, his thoughts are still very good, and the article is worth a read:

Dr. Mercola's Thanksgiving thoughts


What are YOU thankful for today?  Are you angry inside, full of stress and pain?  Is there something troubling you?  Perhaps it's time to recognize that God has blessed you, and is still doing so.  Put on some praise music.  Read the 23rd Psalm.  Smile.  Remember that if the immediate future isn't so bright, the ultimate future (if you know the Lord) is spectacular. If you're depressed and completely stressed out, think of all the things God has done for you.  If you're at all like me, there is a mountain of blessing, and a molehill of trouble.
Bless God, and He will bless you...