Psalm 37:22-29 “For such as be blessed of him shall inherit the earth; and they that be cursed of him shall be cut off. The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord: and he delighteth in his way. Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down: for the Lord upholdeth him with his hand. I have been young, and now am old; yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging bread. He is ever merciful, and lendeth; and his seed is blessed. Depart from evil, and do good; and dwell for evermore. For the Lord loveth judgment, and forsaketh not his saints; they are preserved for ever: but the seed of the wicked shall be cut off. The righteous shall inherit the land, and dwell therein for ever.”

Text II Timothy 2:4 “No man that warreth entangleth himself with the affairs of this life; that he may please him who hath chosen him to be a soldier.”

Paul tells Timothy that as a good soldier, the child of God delights in pleasing the Lord (II Tim.2:4). Paul points out that this is accomplished by not becoming involved with the transactions of daily existence; that of pursuing the selfish desires of this present world. In Psalm 37:23, the psalmist gives us farther insight into the means of pleasing the Lord. When speaking of a “good man” it is a reference to a man of valor or a warrior. While Paul encourages the soldier to turn away from the desires of self, the psalmist encourages turning to the directions of the Sovereign; our “steps . . . are ordered by the Lord.” As soldiers, we await directions from the “LORD” who gives us day by day directions. The word “steps” not only implies one’s course, but includes his companionship. The LORD not only determines the direction, but accompanies us to the desired destination; “for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee” (Hebrews 13:5). As a shepherd and a soldier, David experienced the abiding presence of the Lord; “he leadeth me beside the still waters . . . he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness  . . . thy rod and thy staff they comfort me” (Psalm 23:2-4). A peaceful and pleasant life is the result of living to please the Lord; “When a man’s ways please the Lord, he maketh even his enemies to be at peace with him” (Proverbs 16:7). Make pleasing the LORD, your top priority! “Peace and blessings are found in pleasing the Lord!”