Day 2030 of the 7 day Bible verse challenge.

Psalm 119:133 NIV

A friend of mine shared this one and I just absolutely love it. I think it's one of those messages that everyone needs to here these days. One of those prayers that can truly change our lives and give us the strength we need to keep facing this world and it's brokenness. Whether we acknowledge it or not, we're all following or serving something or someone. Need to make it sure it's right!

My family and I made an ice cream run earlier this afternoon. A simple little trip enjoying some peaceful family time on this cooler Sunday. As we were turning onto this road that's under construction, the guy behind us apparently disagreed with our caution and lack of desire to just go as fast as possible onto the uneven and unmarked road. So as he flew by us he gave that old one-finger salute.

People are so angry, so lost, and so complacent in that broken state that they've stopped caring. This guy had his family in the car with him. He flipped us off in front of his children. All because we didn't turn quick enough. People don't care about the messages they're sending with their words or actions anymore. They just seem content to keep on living under the control of anger, darkness, and all sorts of deep-seeded issues.

So it has me thinking about this question: what is ruling over our lives? Is it the same evil and darkness that's consumed our world? Or is it something better? Are we following the broken ways that have permeated every corner of our society? Or are we aiming to be good people and live good lives? Are we sending the same messages of anger and hatred as so many others? Or are we trying to make a difference by following the example of Christ?

That's why I love this verse. We have to choose what we're going to follow. As a result of that choice, we determine what rules our lives. And that defines the kind of people that we become. The darkness of this world is growing and spreading and will continue to do so. We can't allow ourselves to just accept it and adopt this 'if you can't beat them join them' mindset. We're all called to be better than that, and God just needs more from us.

Nobody has to live under the control of evil and sin. Nobody needs to add more anger and negativity to this boiling pot of foolishness we're already dealing with. Friends, I'm begging at this point! Please just focus on being good to people. Let go of the anger and hatred. Stop allowing the darkness of this world to cloud your skies too. It doesn't have to be that way. And in all honesty, we should want better for ourselves than that.

We've all lived under the control of sin and evil. And it sucks! Sucks bad. Sucks so bad that once we get out and realize just how messed up all of it is, we have no interest in ever going back there. You do not have to serve sin. You don't have to bow down to the ways of this world. You can rise above it and walk a more purposeful and meaningful path. You can choose to follow Christ, study God's word, love others, and live a life that makes a difference. As I say so often, choice is yours. Please choose wisely!