Psalm 1: 1-2
In 1956 Johnny Cash, country singer and songwriter, recorded a breakthrough hit that has endured for decades: I Walk the Line. Here’s a sample of the lyrics:
I keep a close watch on this heart of mine,
I keep my eyes wide open all the time.
I keep the ends out for the tie that binds,
Because you’re mine … I walk the line.
Even though he wrote those lyrics to his first wife his heart was undoubtedly crying out to God as well. He experienced many years of sinful behavior and heartache but God never turned his back on Johnny and slowly drew him back to his first love: Jesus.
Psalm 1:1-2 teaches us that truth as well:
Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers; but his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on His law he meditates day and night.
Walking the line, the straight and narrow, has a promised blessing given to those who choose God’s path for life. The Hebrew word for blessing means to keep advancing in our God-walk which results in peace, joy, and righteousness. The family who isn’t influenced by the ungodly walks in His blessings, the family who doesn’t take a stand for unrighteousness walks in His blessings, and the family who won’t take a seat with mockers of God will also walk in His blessings.
This believing family isn’t simply happy which indicates you have momentary, favorable circumstances in your life but the blessing of Psalm 1 is deeper than that; it’s God pouring out His love in tangible but also invisible ways as well. Experiencing peace and joy, welcomed into His presence, and clothed with spiritual power are included in this kind of family.
Jesus instructed us about this walk of life:
“You can enter God’s Kingdom only through the narrow gate. The highway to hell is broad, and its gate is wide for the many who choose that way. But the gateway to life is very narrow and the road is difficult, and only a few ever find it.” Matthew 7:13-14 NLT
The Psalmist gave three warnings but also the antidote to receive His blessing: delight and meditate on God’s law. That’s not the Ten Commandments but God’s written directions for life that lead to His blessing. His Word promises all we need to be prosperous, successful, and productive in life but reading, thinking, or meditating on scripture will cost you something: time.
As you Walk the Line this week keep a ‘close watch on your heart’, spend some time with your ‘eyes wide open’ reading Jesus’ teachings and instructions and ‘keep the ends out for the tie that binds’ (thanks Johnny) and you’ll hit the bull’s eye every day experiencing a life of His blessings.
Tell Him today, “Because You’re mine … I walk the line.
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