The Word:
1Blessed is the man (the person)
who walks not in the counsel of the wicked,
nor stands in the way of sinners,
nor sits in the seat of scoffers;
2 but his delight is in the law (instruction) of the Lord,
and on his law he meditates day and night.
3 He is like a tree
planted by streams of water
that yields its fruit in its season,
and its leaf does not wither.
In all that he does, he prospers.
4 The wicked are not so,
but are like chaff that the wind drives away.
5 Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgment,
nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous;
6 for the Lord knows the way of the righteous,
but the way of the wicked will perish. – (Psalm 1 ESV)
Psalm 1: 1-3 presents a picture of a person who lives under God’s blessing. The word blessed means happy. This happiness is not contingent on material blessing or what the world apart from God craves. Divine favor from God is a result of living life in his Kingdom. And finding pleasure reciting quietly (meditating) and obeying God’s Word. This type of meditation requires intense study and reflection. This approach to life produces soul prosperity and well-being.
It’s Kingdom living (Matthew 5-7.) Like a tree transplanted to a riverbank from its natural habitat. Its roots grow deep so that the tree is nourished and grows strong.
The contrast could not be starker between those who walk in obedience to God’s word and those that do not. By nature, we all gravitate to the advice of the world. We must protect our minds from ungodly influences. Internal change happens as we allow the Word and the Spirit to transform our thinking.
Those who do not delight in God’s ways go down a destructive path. They may seem to flourish for a season, but they bear no fruit.
Prayer: Father, help us avoid the path of those who reject your truth. Lord, give us a hunger and desire to delight in your word. And help us to obey you. In Jesus’ name, amen.
No comments:
Post a Comment