The Wind

Psalm 1:4 - "Not so the wicked! They are like chaff that the wind blows away."

As I write this devotional, Hurricane Ike is working it's way to the Texas coastline. Residents of Galveston Island, Texas have been issued a stern warning from the National Weather Service that states that they face certain death from flooding if they remain in their homes. This has been an intense hurricane season. Our thoughts and prayers are definitely with the people of Galveston, Houston, and all other areas affected by Ike's path.

Today's verse talks about the wind. Wind is one of the most powerful forces on the planet. The destructive force of the wind has blown away houses, reduced barns to timber, turned over trucks and brought large waves that have devastated cities and towns. Wind is also used in nature's agricultural process to blow away the chaff. It takes away the dead leaves from trees. Wind spreads seeds so that plants can reproduce.

The Psalmist compares the wicked to chaff. Yesterday's verse showed quite the contrast. When speaking of the righteous, the Psalmist tells us that they are like a tree planted by springs of living water. Their leaves do not wither and fade. The end result for those who would live a life that ignores God? Their life produces that which in the end is worthless.

Billions of people will go their own way
Ignoring the call of the Spirit today
Living a life built upon their own goals
To the detriment of their very own souls

May we not live our lives just for us
Missing the joy by making a fuss
Like children we think we know better than You
Help us grow up and see that's untrue

The wind will not blow us off course if we stand
Secure in Your presence with You hand in hand
We long for the day that the battle is through
Until then for You may our lives stay so true.

Dear Heavenly Father,

We don't want to be like those you describe in Psalm 1:4. To be wicked in Your sight is a terrible thought. And, yet we know that our righteousness is described in Your Word as filthy rags. When our hearts long for the world, more than they long for You, remind us of these verses. Remind us of the hurricane like force with which our enemy comes at us, seeking to drive us hopelessly off course in our walk with You. Thank you, that You are more powerful than any storm that Satan can throw at us. We trust You, and You alone with our lives, our salvation, and every situation that we face. We love You. Help us to live our lives in a way that honors You.

In Jesus' name,

Amen.