In my last post, I showed what God expects of His people if they want His blessings. In this post, the blessings that He gives to those who are “godly” will be looked at.

1. (vs. 3) We are “set apart.” God considers us His own – what a privilege! It does not depend on being handsome, pretty, smart, tall or short – but you must be redeemed by the blood of Christ.
2. (vs. 3) “the LORD will hear when I call unto him” – He will answer our prayers (when they are for His glory).
3. (vs. 6) God will show us good when no one else will. He never leaves nor forsakes us.
4. (vs. 7) God makes His people be glad – “Thou hast put gladness in my heart” – with joy better than the world can know (“Thou hast put gladness in my heart, more than in the time that their corn and their wine increased.”).
5. (vs. 8) He gives us sleep and protects us as we sleep. (“I will both lay me down in peace, and sleep: for thou, LORD, only makest me dwell in safety.”)

Christian, are you enjoying these benefits? You can. Do you know His gladness and are you able to sleep at night? God is more than willing to bless the godly because they are His. Is there some sin you need to forsake? If so, why not talk to Him about it now and let Him start to bless you more as you serve Him?

In this chapter, which starts out by indicating David that he is distressed by the wicked, he reveals that believers are “set apart” for Himself. These two words mean “to separate” and to “make a difference.” In other words, God pays special attention to His children and “will hear” their prayers because they are different than those that do not know Him.

The key to being special in God’s eyes – put in a privileged position – is revealed in the word “godly.” This word means that the individual is holy and living for God – faithful. Many Christians are not holy and they only offer excuses for it. God is not fooled.

The next few verses in this chapter express God’s will and expectations of the “godly.”

1. (vs. 4) “Stand in awe” – have reverence toward Him.
2. (vs. 4) “and sin not” – stay away from it – even in your mind and heart. It always defiles (makes unclean and unholy).
3. (vs. 4) “commune with your own heart upon your bed” – to think about His Word and will and then act upon those principles.
4. (vs. 4) “and be still” – take time to deliberately listen to Him. God only speaks in a “still, small voice” (I Ki. 19:12).
5. (vs. 5) “Offer the sacrifices of righteousness” – there ought to be a cost to your Christianity in the form of Christian service, tithes and offerings, praise to God, etc.
6. (vs. 5) “and put your trust in the LORD” – let your words and actions demonstrate that you trust Him and His promises.

Christian, are you “godly?” Are you living in such a way that pleases Him? Have you been without God’s blessing in your life lately? It may be time to get back to a relationship with Him where He will bless you and answer your prayers? Why not talk to Him about it now?

There are many options in day-to-day life that you can do in your spare time. Entertainment options abound on the TV, the Internet, books, computer games, and more.

As a Christian, it seems that there ought to be a better use of time. Spending hours doing any of the above things is clearly a waste of time. Christians are to be “redeeming the time” (Eph. 5:16), which means to use it wisely. Remember that none of the above things will bring rewards from the King of kings – to Whom we will all give account.

When Jesus interpreted the second commandment, He said that man should “love the Lord thy God with all they heart, and with all they soul, and with all they mind” (Mt. 22:37).  If we loved the Lord like that, it would rule out many frivolous options that demand so much time.

Paul the apostle was truly single-minded – doing “one thing” – and his life revealed it. He accomplished an incredible amount of things to promote the Gospel and build churches. Of course, not everyone is called to be a preacher, but every Christian can have a part in both of these things. It is true that being single-minded will be revealed differently in different believers.

Being single-minded does not mean ignoring normal responsibilities such as working, taking care of children, keeping the house clean and the lawn mowed, etc. – but it does mean putting the Lord first in your daily – and even hourly – decisions.

If we say that we are serving the Lord, then our activities should reveal that we are. If that is true, then it ought to be evident on more than one day a week. What are you doing for Him on Monday through Saturday?

A single-minded life should remind others of the Lord Jesus. It will also include time set aside to meet with God in Bible reading, study of the Word, and prayer.

Whether or not you are single-minded will reveal what kind of Christian you really are and whether you really love Him or not. Would our Lord praise you for a godly and single-minded life?