Psalm 1:1-2 (Amplified Bible)
Blessed [fortunate, prosperous, and 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). But his delight is in the law of the Lord, And on His law [His precepts and teachings] he [habitually] meditates day and night.
There is nothing better to meditate on than the Truth laid out for us in Scripture. The selection below specifically speaks of what Christ has made possible for us. Believe it. Meditate on it. Pray over it.
Ephesians 2:4-10 (Amplified Bible)
But God, being [so very] rich in mercy, because of His great and wonderful love with which He loved us, even when we were [spiritually] dead and separated from Him because of our sins, He made us [spiritually] alive together with Christ (for by His grace—His undeserved favor and mercy—you have been saved from God’s judgment). And He raised us up together with Him [when we believed], and seated us with Him in the heavenly places, [because we are] in Christ Jesus, [and He did this] so that in the ages to come He might [clearly] show the immeasurable and unsurpassed riches of His grace in [His] kindness toward us in Christ Jesus [by providing for our redemption]. For it is by grace [God’s remarkable compassion and favor drawing you to Christ] that you have been saved [actually delivered from judgment and given eternal life] through faith. And this [salvation] is not of yourselves [not through your own effort], but it is the [undeserved, gracious] gift of God; not as a result of [your] works [nor your attempts to keep the Law], so that no one will [be able to] boast or take credit in any way [for his salvation]. For we are His workmanship [His own master work, a work of art], created in Christ Jesus [reborn from above—spiritually transformed, renewed, ready to be used] for good works, which God prepared [for us] beforehand [taking paths which He set], so that we would walk in them [living the good life which He prearranged and made ready for us].
Sometimes the AMP really fleshes out the words and sometimes it makes reading harder. I hope you found wonders in it this time. You are a ‘work of art’ created to do good works, good works that God prepared and planned for you to do. It’s a ‘good life which He prearranged and made ready for us.’ Amazing.
All God’s ways toward us are kind and full of grace (unmerited favor). You are greatly loved.
Romans 5:1-4 (Amplified Bible)
Therefore, since we have been justified [that is, acquitted of sin, declared blameless before God] by faith, [let us grasp the fact that] we have peace with God [and the joy of reconciliation with Him] through our Lord Jesus Christ (the Messiah, the Anointed). Through Him we also have access by faith into this [remarkable state of] grace in which we [firmly and safely and securely] stand. Let us rejoice in our hope and the confident assurance of [experiencing and enjoying] the glory of [our great] God [the manifestation of His excellence and power]. And not only this, but [with joy] let us exult in our sufferings and rejoice in our hardships, knowing that hardship (distress, pressure, trouble) produces patient endurance; and endurance, proven character (spiritual maturity); and proven character, hope and confident assurance [of eternal salvation]. Such hope [in God’s promises] never disappoints us, because God’s love has been abundantly poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us.
Oh yes, the glory of God. One day we will see the manifestation of His excellence and power.
But right now in today’s life, you can still experience it every single day. That power, that hope, that grace, that mercy, that kindness being expressed towards you by Him.
It really is all true. Innumerable benefits to being alive in Christ. Meditate on, remember some of those words above and even Psalm 1:1-2 Blessed is the man who delight is in the law of the Lord, And on His law meditates day and night. Some translations say “Happy is …” here. But blessed is really true displayed by the Scriptures above.
Blessed be the One who is the basis for our Hope. The only one worthy of it. And worthy He really is.
Keep reading. Keep learning. Keep growing your faith.