After weeks of hard work, late nights, and juggling the kids' schedules, the time has come for a summer weekend getaway. At long last, you can kick up your feet and unplug from the bustling world around you to get more in touch with your significant other, and even reconnect with Jesus, too.
There's something to be said for twilight walks on the beach, early morning hikes to see the sunrise, or even time spent with the family around the bonfire. Whatever your getaway entails, the fact remains that these moments of family fun and relaxation are sacred. There's a special opportunity to meet with Jesus early in the morning before everyone wakes up in your vacation rental. Just you and Him, soaking in all of His blessings.
Here's a special devotional for you to focus on—a quiet time to match the calm and quiet optimism of a weekend out of the office.
“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
What better way to savor your vacation time than with a calming Bible passage focusing on the joy to be found in the Lord? We chose these verses from Scripture to dial in on during this time of reprieve so that you can take a deep breath and find the encouragement you need to head back to reality with your head held high.
The Key to Contentment
The word "blessed" here is the Hebrew word esher, which can be translated as happy or content. This insight changes the perspective of the entire passage, right? This goes to show that true happiness is found in God alone. Those who delight in Him will find joy—the purest form of joy that does not waver or diminish over time and trial.
“No soul that seriously and constantly desires joy will ever miss it. Those who seek find. To those who knock it is opened.” ~ C.S. Lewis
If you're not happy, consider where you seek your joy. Is it in the things of this world? Is it in what is temporary and fleeting? Or is it found in God alone? Something to reflect on.
Set Apart for a Purpose
Notice the key distinctions here of what the blessed man does not do. The Godly man does not walk with sinners. The Godly man delights in His Word and spends time meditating on Scripture. The author is making a point of differentiating the Godly man from the rest of the world. In this way, he acts differently.
This is a helpful reminder for us, too. Consider it a check-up call. We can take inventory of our lives and consider how different (or not-so-different) we live from those around us. To some extent, we should be set apart as believers, since we love God and the world itself is against Him.
This brings to mind a critical passage from 1 John 2:15, "Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him."
Another way to view this walk, stand, sit literary progression is the way We love what Enduring Word has to say on this passage, "The great lesson to be learned from the whole is, sin is progressive; one evil propensity or act leads to another. He who acts by bad counsel may soon do evil deeds; and he who abandons himself to evil doings may end his life in total apostasy from God."
The Takeaway
True bliss is found in God. The passage makes it abundantly clear those who seek out the Lord flourish, like a tree planted by streams of water. No matter the trial or season, those who trust in the Lord will withstand the storm. This metaphor serves as a reminder of where we can put our hope in this very unpredictable world.
The second takeaway here is that the people of God have been set apart. There's a call to live differently. This all goes back to how Christ now lives in us. We no longer live for ourselves. We think of the verse from Galatians 2:20, "I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me."
"But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: "Be holy, because I am holy." ~ 1 Peter 1:15-16
Questions for Reflection:
1. If I'm being honest with myself, how have I been feeling lately? What words pop into mind to describe my mood? Happy? Anxious? Apathetic?
2. Where have I been placing my trust? In the world? If so, how can I reorient my focus back to Scripture, back to the ultimate source of hope and joy?
3. Am I living with the light of life in me and living in accordance to God's laws and will for my life? Or am I living as those who do not know Jesus?
The Sweetest Reminder
If you have a vacation coming up on the calendar, it's time to get your wardrobe in order! Get excited for your weekend getaway by ordering some faith-based apparel that serves as excellent reminders of God's great love for us. Be sure to check out our selection of Christian t-shirts and accessories, showcasing your favorite Bible verses with oh-so-cute designs, too.