Delightful Success

No doubt, the delight of any completed project is its success. That success, however, can often be measured in different ways. One of my favorite psalms is the very first one, which sets the tone for the entire book; it speaks of both success and the measure of it. "Blessed [fortunate, prosperous, favored by God] is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked [following their advice and example], nor stand in the path of sinners, nor sit [down to rest] in the seat of scoffers (ridiculers)." (Psalm 1:1, AMP). How interesting we read how true success begins with a disciplined lifestyle of self-denial. We read the same thing in Romans 8:12-12 ... "So then, brethren, we are under obligation, not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh - for if you are living according to the flesh, you must die; but if by The Spirit you are putting to death the deeds of the body, you will live." The Believer's battle of flesh vs The Spirit cannot be denied and the success of the warring natures is seen in Psalm 1:2 - "But his delight is in the law of the LORD, and on His law [His precepts and teachings] he [habitually] meditates day and night." Then the measure of success: "And he will be like a tree firmly planted [and fed] by streams of water, which yields its fruit in its season; its leaf does not wither; and in whatever he does, he prospers." (Psalm 1:3, AMP). Such a lifestyle, by the world's measure, would seem boring and hum-drum. Not so! The yielding fruitfulness of life lived pleasing The Creator is immeasurable. Those who walk a disciplined Spirit-filled life know and testify to its ... delightful success.