Read Psalms, Chapters 1-2.
“Two roads diverged in a wood, and I- I took the one less traveled by, And that has made all the difference"- these are the words of Robert Frost in his poem "The Road Not Taken". Life is full of choices. In many ways, life is the sum total of the choices we make. All of us are going to make the wrong choice from time to time, that is part of being human. But one choice we can't get wrong is the one presented in Psalm 1. We can either choose to live by the Word or live by the standards of the world. The Psalmist makes it clear what the results will be. Choosing the Word leads to fruitfulness and prosperity. Choosing the world leads to an absence of God's presence and eternal separation from Him. Jesus describes the two choices this way in Matthew 7:12: "Enter by the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the way is easy that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many." Sadly, most will choose the way of the world and it will lead to a wasted life. But to those who choose the narrow gate of following Jesus and living by the Word will "have life, and have it to the full" (John 10:10) The choice should be easy, shouldn't it? But the pull of the world can be strong even on those of us who know Jesus as Lord and Savior.
Psalm 2 is a great reminder why we should choose the way of the Word instead of the way of the world. David reminds us in this psalm that "the good guys win" in the end. King David is specifically talking about his own reign, but the psalm ultimately points to the "King of Kings and Lord of Lords" (Revelation 19), King Jesus. He will return again and establish His kingdom forever. Two roads diverged, and I chose the one less traveled by, and it has made all the difference in my life. How about you? Will you choose the narrow road that leads to a fruitful life now and the glories of heaven later? It will make all the difference in the world!
What specific things in this world have a pull on you? What would it look like to resist and choose the "narrow way" in your life?
Will you commit to living a life under the Lordship of King Jesus, and in obedience to His Word? Is there somebody in your life that could hold you accountable to do so?
Prayer for the day: "My Heavenly Father, help me to have the courage today to choose to live the narrow way of following Jesus and submitting to your Word. Lord help me say no to the things in this world that seek to pull me away from allegiance to you. Thank you that the victory has been won- that Jesus conquered the grave and so my life is secure for all eternity. In the power of Jesus, help me live in that victory today. Amen.