Psalm 1-2

I have often struggled in the past with the ratio of what I give up in an effort to follow God vs. gaining in the world. The first chapters in Psalm speak of the ostensible gain that the world brings. Psalm 1:4 basically says that whatever we do in this world will die with us unless we follow the Lord's will. We all desire happiness, wealth, and success in the dreams we choose to pursue. These are all worldly things. Although not necessarily negative, there are things that need to come before the pursuing of "worldly blessings." God blesses those who are intentional about following Him (Psalm 1:1). In addition to intentionally following His word comes enthusiastic studying of His word. Delight in Him is a by-product that comes with intentionality. That takes care of one of the biggest pursuits in this life; joy. Not temporary emotional highs as the world brings; but rather, true joy in the Lord and His promises. As for wealth, the Lord promises us prosperity and gain (Psalm 2:8). Not temporary gain, but eternal gain. In order to gain the Lord's wealth, we must serve the Lord with fear and rejoice with trembling (Psalm 2:11). In that, your riches lie. Not worldly, insignificant, perishable wealth, but everlasting wealth in our Savior. There is no promise of worldly success in this life for anyone; Christ-follower or not. Those who are not Christ-followers and still don't obtain personal worldly gain, in the end, have nothing. Those of us who follow God and His commands have the promise of being blessed and prospering though our Lord (Psalm 1:3, 2:12). In order to gain those, we must trust in Him for everything. We must take refuge in His arms, and not expect everything to go as our physical minds lead us to believe they should. We, in the end of this short life, have everything imaginable, despite our earthly circumstances. Psalm 1 and 2 prove that it is best to follow the Lord and ignore the world's idea of "having it all." Contrary to what my mind may tell me is the best for me, I must remember in all things: if it is not of the Lord, there is no purpose but temporary, fleeting gain (Psalm 1:4). We MUST be set apart and focus our eyes away from the ways of this world and the wicked who inhabit it, in order to gain eternity with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.