January 31

Morning

In His days Judah will be saved, and Israel will dwell securely. And this is His name by which He will be called: The LORD Our Righteousness. — Jer 23:6 BSB

Thinking about the perfect righteousness of Christ always brings a Christian the deepest calm, quiet, and peace. How often do God’s people feel downcast and sad! I don’t believe they should feel that way. And I don’t think they would, if they could always see their completeness in Christ. Some believers spend much of their time focusing on their own sinfulness, the depravity of the heart, and the innate evil in their souls. While that’s true, why not go a little further and remember that we are perfect in Christ Jesus? It’s no surprise that those who constantly dwell on their own corruption seem to walk around in gloom, but surely if we remember that “Christ has become our righteousness,” we can be full of joy!

Even though I may face trials, even though Satan may attack me, even though many struggles lie ahead on my journey to heaven—those things are already taken care of in the covenant of God’s grace. There’s nothing missing in my Lord; Christ has done it all. On the cross, He declared, “It is finished!” If it’s finished, then I am complete in Him, and I can rejoice with unspeakable joy, not trusting in my own righteousness from the law, but in the righteousness that comes through faith in Christ—righteousness from God, through faith!

You won’t find a holier people on earth than those who’ve embraced the truth of Christ’s righteousness. When a believer says, “I rely on Christ alone; I rest solely on Him for my salvation; and no matter how unworthy I am, I am saved in Jesus,” it stirs within them a sense of gratitude that asks, “Shouldn’t I live for Christ? Shouldn’t I love and serve Him, since He saved me by His grace?” “The love of Christ compels us!” Those who live, should no longer live for themselves but for Him who died for them. If we are saved by His righteousness, we will deeply cherish the righteousness He gives us to live out.

Evening

“No matter what, I want to run!” he replied. “Then run!” Joab told him. So Ahimaaz ran by way of the plain and outran the Cushite. — 2 Sam 18:23 BSB

Running isn’t everything—it matters what path we choose. A fast runner on a steep hill won’t keep up with a slower one on flat ground. How’s my spiritual journey going? Am I struggling uphill, relying on my own works and sinking into the valleys of self-condemnation and resolutions? Or am I running on the straight path of "believe and live"?

What a blessing it is to wait on the Lord through faith! On this path of belief, the soul runs without getting weary and walks without fainting. Jesus Christ is the way of life, and He is a straight, pleasant path—a path fit for those of us with weak, trembling legs. Am I walking this path? Or am I chasing after some other way, like the false promises of religious rituals or worldly knowledge?

The Bible says that even a simple traveler won’t lose his way on the road of holiness. Have I set aside prideful reasoning and come to Jesus like a child, resting in His love and His blood? If so, by God’s grace, I’ll outrun the strongest person who’s chosen another path.

I can apply this truth to my daily cares and needs. The smartest thing I can do is go straight to God, without wasting time seeking help from other places. He knows what I need, and He can provide. Who else should I turn to but Him, through the simple, direct approach of prayer and the clear promises in His Word? “Straightforward makes the best runner.” I won’t get bogged down with distractions, but I’ll hurry to the Master Himself!

As I reflect on this, I realize that if people compete in everyday things, trying to outdo each other, how much more should I run with all my heart to win the prize of eternal life. Lord, help me to focus, to run the race with endurance, and to press on toward the goal for the prize of Your calling in Christ Jesus!