May 11th
1Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked or stand in the way of sinners or sit in the seat of mockers. 2 But his delight is in the law of the LORD, and on his law he meditates day and night. 3 He is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither. Whatever he does prospers. 4 Not so the wicked! They are like chaff that the wind blows away. 5 Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the assembly of the righteous. 6 For the LORD watches over the way of the righteous, but the way of the wicked will perish. Psalm 1:1-6 NIV
This psalm shares some of the many blessings of living for God. One of the important activities that we should be doing in our walk with God is spending time in his word, the Bible. As God’s followers, we need to be rooted and grounded in his word. Paul wrote, “All scripture is given by inspiration of God and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work” (2 Timothy 3:16-17 NIV). The word contains wisdom for every situation we will face in life.
The psalmist mentioned that a righteous person will delight in God’s law and meditate on it day and night. Developing a delight for God’s law is something that could take time. I believe that God will give us a passion for his laws as we seek him diligently. As we study God’s word, we will find revelations about who we are, where we are going and the meaning of life. We’ll also learn about our identity as God’s children and the many promises that are ours in Christ. This knowledge will bring us joy and will increase our delight in God’s laws.
We have to be careful not to allow alternative sources of wisdom to supplant God’s word in our lives. Too often people will turn to Ophra, or Dr. Phil, or some other gifted person for guidance before they will turn to the Bible. I’m not saying that such sources are inherently wrong, just that it is important for us to be first grounded in God’s Truth as revealed in the scriptures. With this foundation we’ll be better able to discern truth from lies and be less likely to be deceived by the clever lies of the Enemy.
The psalmist uses the analogy of a tree planted by streams of water to describe the people who meditate on God’s laws. The trees are fruitful, drought resistant and prosperous. When we are planted in God’s word each day, we in turn will be fruitful for God, resistant to “spiritual drought,” and prosperous in “whatever” we do. We in turn can claim those blessings in every area of our lives, because “whatever” means whatever!
A final blessing mentioned in this psalm is that God will watch over us and protect our way. Solomon wrote, “He holds victory in store for the upright; he is a shield to those whose walk is blameless, for he guards the course of the just and protects the way of his faithful ones” (Proverbs 2:7-8 NIV). I find it awe-inspiring that the Creator of the Universe is taking time and effort to watch over me ! It shows just how wonderful and loving our God is.
Take time to thank Him in prayer throughout the day and be careful to look around you to see where he is at work. Perhaps you can join him in sharing his love and blessing with others.
Questions for further thought:
Based on verse 1 above, give some practical examples of things not to do as a follower of God.
What are some characteristics of “spiritual drought”?
What does being fruitful in God mean?
Prayer:
“Thank you, Father for the many blessings of following you. Thank you for your laws which bring wisdom, life and truth. Thank you that as I walk with you, everything I put my hand to will prosper! Thank you for watching over me and guarding my way. Please grow in me a passion for your word and delight in your laws. Thank you, Father! In the name of Jesus I pray, Amen.”