February 27
February 27th, 2026
Read Psalm 1:1-6
Devotion:
I grew up as a “preacher’s kid”. Now, don’t let that put a smile on your face just yet. That phrase isn’t always a term of endearment. There’s a stereotype that I embodied and it wasn’t great much of the time. Don’t get me wrong. I wasn’t breaking the law or anything, but it wasn’t uncommon for my Sunday afternoons to be spent dealing with the consequences of what I had done on Sunday mornings. I guess I figured Sunday School needed a class clown just as much as elementary school. If there was an opportunity to make a joke I was going to do it. I won’t make the excuse that I couldn’t help it, because I absolutely had control over my own decisions. And that’s just it. All too often I chose to take the path that lead to instant gratification as opposed to the one that leads to blessing (which may not be so immediate).
Lent is a season where choices are made. When we say “yes” to one thing it usually means “no” to something else. So, we say “yes” to repentance and “no” to pride. We say “yes” to surrender and “no” to control. It’s the way Jesus would have us live over the way the world tells us we are supposed to. Today’s passage gives us the picture of two paths and gives us the opportunity to reflect on which we will choose. And one doesn’t have to read too carefully to see that the righteous choice is the one that brings joy. When we delight in God’s Word and in His ways we find that it’s about saying “yes” to something much better than the alternative. When we allow ourselves to take root on the path of righteousness we can reflect on choices made on the other path. The soil on that path was shallow and did not offer lasting joy.
So, we need to ask ourselves whether we’re rooted or drifting. Are we remaining on the path of righteousness regardless of the temporary delights that the world has to offer? Are we saying “yes” to a daily walk with Jesus and “no” to the distractions?
Reflection:
What would it look like to delight in God’s Word this week?
Where might you see opportunity to leave shallow soil and take root on the path of righteousness?
Prayer:
Lord, please make it clear to me where my “yes” belongs. Show me where shallow soil has enticed me and plant me firmly on the path of righteousness. Root me deeply in Your Word. Let it all be for YOUR glory!
Amen