New Beginning
Today is the first day of a new year. I, like others, have hopes for new beginnings, new resolutions, and changes for the better.
Psalm 101 is a prayer to walk a blameless path; for me to live with such integrity requires my willingness and God's divine help. For though it is a challenge where I desire to be victorious, in my own strength, I will not succeed.
David wrote Psalm 101 before he became King of Israel. “It was the best of times, it was the worst of times” (Charles Dickens’ The Tale of Two Cities)
David would say the same thing of his early years, before he came to power as Israel’s king. He had some difficult times. He was the youngest son, and it seemed as though he got all the dirty work. His brothers did not look up to him, but treated him with a measure of disrespect (1 Samuel 17:28). He wasn’t even present for selection as Israel’s king (1 Samuel 16:10-11). After he was anointed as Israel’s next king and had defeated Goliath, he had to flee from Saul, who sought to perpetuate his reign by killing his replacement.
These were difficult days for David, but they were also the “best of times.” David learned to deal with danger, and he also learned to fight (see 1 Samuel 16:18). He came to rely upon God and to love His Word. He learned obedience and submission, even when his life was endangered. He developed close, enduring friendships and alliances.
It will be more than seven years after Saul’s death that David becomes king of all Israel.
When David did finally become King of Israel, he desired to be a king who delights in God’s law, and whose heart seeks after God.
David knew to lead a blameless life required God's help (vs 2); it means avoiding looking at wickedness (vs 3) not linking with evil associates (vs 4) not slandering or gossiping (vs 5) keeping from pride or haughtiness (vs 5); in all these 'do nots' there is a forward motion of 'do', which is to walk with the faithful (vs 6).
The apostle Paul also wrote about a blameless life in 2 Corinthians 6:6:
As God’s partners, we beg you not to accept this marvelous gift of God’s kindness and then ignore it.
2 For God says,
“At just the right time, I heard you. On the day of salvation, I helped you.”Indeed, the “right time” is now. Today is the day of salvation. 3 We live in such a way that no one will stumble because of us, and no one will find fault with our ministry.4 In everything we do, we show that we are true ministers of God. We patiently endure troubles and hardships and calamities of every kind.
This only comes through God's power.
2 Corinthians 12:9 But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me.
In myself, I cannot produce 1 oz of righteousness, either before or after salvation
My potential to live righteous is in direct proportion to my willingness to surrender. It’s not a matter of trying harder, holding on, performance or greater dedication... it is surrender:
To win the behavior battle I must win the battle in my mind... I want to know Christ!
2 Corinthians 10:5 "We destroy every proud obstacle that keeps people from knowing God. We capture their rebellious thoughts and teach them to obey Christ."
The focus of my attention determines my direction.
I must pursue a balanced spiritual diet - Discipline
1 Peter 2:2 Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation,
Hebrews 5:14 But solid food is for the mature, who by constant use have trained themselves to distinguish good from evil.
Physically, I pay the price, If I spend my life eating junk food – candy, soda, chips
Spiritually I must pursue a balanced spiritual diet...
Bible intake – Prayer – Church attendance – daily devotions (just God and me) – obedience;
I can so easily become anemic, off balance, wrong thinking... defeatsville living.
Spiritual discipline matures me & gives me discernment between good & evil.
Ephesians 6:10-11 "Finally, be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power. Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes."
God didn’t save me to sit around looking pretty... but to stand firm in battle
I must be armored up to walk undefeated, able to gain victory with the - Belt of Truth, Breastplate of Righteousness, Gospel of peace, Shield of Faith, Helmet of Salvation, Sword of the Spirit, Spiritual Prayers.
Lord Jesus you defeated the giants in my life at Calvary’s cross. I can not do it myself, but I can walk victoriously through your mighty power that lives in me! Help me to remember the battle is yours! Amen
