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Blessed is the one
    who does not walk in step with the wicked
or stand in the way that sinners take
    or sit in the company of mockers,
but whose delight is in the law of the Lord,
    and who meditates on his law day and night.
That person is like a tree planted by streams of water,
    which yields its fruit in season
and whose leaf does not wither—
    whatever they do prospers.  (Psalm 1:1-3)

In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans.   (Romans 8:26)

Have you ever had trouble selecting something to watch on TV from the hundreds of choices available to us through one of the many streaming service options?  It seems the more options that we have, the harder it is to make a choice.  And life has no shortage of choices. 
Our Psalm today reminds us that behind all our daily choices there is ultimately one priority decision to make – Will I “delight… in the law of the Lord” or will I go (walk, stand, or sit) my own way?  In other words, is my heart’s desire to follow God’s will or am I oriented towards other pursuits in life? 
Choices have consequences.  Sometimes even the small ones reflect a bigger choice that we have made for our lives.  Jesus gives a simple invitation: “Come, follow me” (Matthew 4:19; 19:21).  A simple invitation with life-changing implications.  We may not have all the answers or know exactly what implications that following Jesus will have on our lives, but he is willing to lead us.  Two very important promises are woven into our Bible readings for today:

  • First, we are promised a life-giving source.  When we seek to be obedient to God and let His Way lead our lives, we will be “like a tree planted by streams of water…”.  This promise is fulfilled in Jesus who said, “Whoever believes in me… rivers of living water will flow from within them.” (John 7:38). 
  • Secondly, those who belong to Jesus are given a Helper for life to guide us.  The Spirit “helps us in our weakness” and will lead us “in accordance with the will of God.”  Aren’t you glad that it is not all on you to be a perfect follower?  Jesus graciously leads us in the way we should go as you trust in Him.     

Heavenly Father, once again I thank you for your invitation to follow you.  May my heart belong to you.  I desire nothing more than you.  Will you lead me?  Will you change my heart so that I will truly be a follower of your Way?  Thank you for your Son Jesus who has given me the way forward, and for the Holy Spirit who intercedes for me and will help me even in my weakness.  Write your law on my heart so that I can glorify you in everything I do. Amen.