This morning I considered going back to the New Testament for my reading.

Then I “peeked” at Psalm 2 and was immediately captivated by the first verse:

“Why do the heathen rage, and the people imagine a vain thing?”

Right away I thought of another verse having to do with my imaginations and my thoughts:

“Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things” (Philippians 4:8).

Nothing vain (that is, empty or idle) there!

So, why do I at times imagine vain things, especially about other people?!

Maybe I don’t love them as I ought:

” Let love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good” (Romans 12:9).

If that’s it (and it likely is), I need God’s help:

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love…peace, longsuffering…” (Galatians 5:22).

This morning I awoke as I went to sleep last night — troubled, confused, dismayed, unsettled.

Sometimes things look better in the morning. But not this morning.

I had my Bible before me, wondering where to start reading next.

Psalms. Yes, Psalms!

“Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, not sitteth in the seat of scornful” (Psalm 1:1).

In my mind, the counsel of the ungodly competes with God’s counsel, the way of the wicked with God’s ways.

As I walk through this darkness and tempest, may I allow God to help me choose His counsel and His ways.