THE DELIGHTFUL WAY

Part 3

"Delight thyself also in the Lord; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart"

(Psalm 37:4).

We have been discovering from God's Word that the way we live will take us on a downward path or on a delightful path. Today we continue to find out more of the delightful way.

IT'S DIFFERING

If we are going to live a delightful life, there's no room for sitting on the fence, compromising with evil, or being tolerant. We don't belong to this world. We are only sojourners here, representing another country, a heavenly country. Of course, we're not going to hide away. We are here to influence this world and lead more and more people to come with us to our heavenly city.

But we live with a different mindset, a different worldview. Our convictions are not blurred. We know the difference between the clean and the unclean and we teach our children "the difference between the holy and profane" (Ezekiel 44:23 and 22:26). Leviticus 10:10 says, "And that ye may put difference between holy and unholy, and between unclean and clean."

The word "difference" is also translated "separated and severed." Leviticus 20:26 says, "Ye shall be holy unto me: for I the Lord am holy, and have severed you from other people, that ye should be mine" (Exodus 33:16; 1 Kings 8:53).

IT'S DIRECTING OUR HEARTS TO GOD        

David confessed in Psalm 5:3: "My voice shalt thou hear in the morning, O Lord; in the morning will I direct my prayer unto thee, and will look up." David is not talking about casually praying when he has the urge. It is an ordering of his life. The word "direct" means "to order, to arrange, and is also used in warfare of setting the battle in array."

David ordered his life to make time to pray. We have to do this personally and as a family. We have to order the course of our day to make sure we gather as a family to pray together each day, in the morning and the evening. If we don't order our day, it won't happen.

We need to make ordered times, but it should also be habitual. Rather than becoming overwhelmed with all the little and big things that happen during our day, let's direct our hearts to the Lord. This is the secret for walking a delightful life. When we dwell on the problem, it only becomes worse. When we direct our hearts to the Lord, He gives His peace and shows us what to do. Isaiah 26:3, 4 says, "Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee. Trust ye in the Lord forever for in the Lord Jehovah is everlasting strength."

IT'S DISCIPLING

No matter how far we are on the pathway, we can never stop being discipled. The word "disciple" means "to be a pupil, to learn." I want to learn more and more every day, don't you? I long to understand more of God's Word. I want to keep a soft and tender heart to the Holy Spirit so He can continue to speak to my heart and show me where I am going wrong and lead me in His paths (Matthew 11:28-30).

But it's even more than being willing to learn. Luke 14:33 says, "Whosoever he be of you that forsaketh not all that he hath, he cannot be my disciple." As we have the attitude of a disciple, we in turn disciple our children. We are in full time ministry for God as we fulfill this great task. And it's an everyday/every month/ every continuing year ministry.

IT'S DWELLING

We can't walk the delightful path unless we are dwelling. This is the foundation of our faith--Christ dwells in me and I dwell in Him (John 15: 1-10 and Colossians 1:27). There is nothing more blessed than dwelling in His presence--resting in His love, feeding on HIs Word, and trusting in Him instead of our own resources. God wants to rest in our hearts and He wants us to rest in His heart (Psalm 132:14, 15; John 14:17; and Colossians 3:16).

IT'S DYING

Oh, no. Do you mean to say I have to die to live a delightful life? Yes, it's the only way. When we die to our flesh and selfish ways life is so much more enjoyable. It is never delightful living in the flesh. The old flesh stinks. It's ugly. It doesn't make us happy or anyone around us.

Paul confessed, "I die daily" (1 Corinthians 15:31). As he died to his own flesh and desires, the life of Christ flowed from his life to bring life, salvation, and healing to many. It's only when we die that Christ can live His life in us. Read these Scriptures: Romans 6:5-14; 8:36; 2 Corinthians 4:10, 11; 2 Corinthians 5:15; and 6:9.

Love from Nancy Campbell

PRAYER:

Dear Father, please lead me into the blessed state of dwelling in your presence for in your presence is fullness of joy. It is in your presence that I find my joy and peace. Thank you, Lord. Amen."

AFRIRMATION:

My mind is stayed upon the Lord, not upon the overwhelming things around me.