Psalm 1 (NRSV) - Happy are those who do not follow the advice of the wicked, or take the path that sinners tread, or sit in the seat of scoffers; but their delight is in the law of the LORD, and on his law they meditate day and night. They are like trees planted by streams of water, which yield their fruit in its season, and their leaves do not wither. In all that they do, they prosper. The wicked are not so, but are like chaff that the wind drives away. Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous; for the LORD watches over the way of the righteous, but the way of the wicked will perish.
They will be called oaks of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, to display his glory.
--Isaiah 61:3 (NRSV)
Lord, thank you for watching over me. When I have gone through hard times and no one else was there to help, I have felt your presence. You have lifted me up and encouraged me. When everyone around me had deserted me and said that I was lost, you were there to take my hand and show me the way to walk. Though all those I counted as friends believed the worst about me you did not abandon me. You, Lord were gracious to me and showed me lovingingkindness.
Now I am more successful than those that rejected me, yet the only success I hold dear is in knowing you as my Lord. You are my stream of living water and you bring life to my inner being and cause me to be green and fruitful. Without you Lord, I would be a dry root.
I love you lord with all my heart. Holy is your name.
As I start my day I turn to you and take your hand. I hold your word in my mind and my heart. To me there is no better success than knowing you as my Lord and my friend. Let it be, Amen.
