“How blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked, nor stand in the path of sinners, nor sit in the seat of scoffers! But his delight is in the law of the Lord, and in His law he meditates day and night.”
— Psalm 1:1–2

Today’s culture is, for the most part, hostile to the things of God. The Western world is increasingly opposed to Christian principles. But the Bible assures that when you refuse to follow the crowd, when you don’t laugh at their jokes, when you don’t listen to their music, when you don’t adopt their sexual morals, but instead meditate on the Lord’s law day and night, you will be blessed.

Now, what does the word blessed mean? To be blessed is to be divinely happy. Jesus said that unless we pick up our cross, deny ourselves, and follow Him, we can’t be His disciples (Matt. 16:24). He also said that we need to follow His example and resist sin, even “to the point of shedding blood” (Heb. 12:4). This means that resisting sin is not going to be easy. But I want you to know, beloved, that if you will pick up your cross and follow the straight and narrow path that leads to life, it will be worth it. You are going to get to the end of your life and be so happy you chose to follow Him. You won’t regret what you had to sacrifice.

Choosing to follow Jesus is the true key to happiness. Know that I love you and am cheering you on today to continue in your walk of faith.

Father God, Your Word says those who do not walk in the counsel of the ungodly will be blessed. So, Lord, I choose to focus on You and Your Word, and to delight in Your truth. Help me to be diligent in my walk of faith so I can experience the divine happiness promised in Your Word.

Rabbi Kirt A. Schneider, Rivers of Revelation (Lake Mary, FL: Charisma House, 2020), Used by permission.