Reflections on Psalm 1

 Psalm 1

Oh, the joys of those who do not

    follow the advice of the wicked,

    or stand around with sinners,

    or join in with mockers.

 But they delight in the law of the Lord,

    meditating on it day and night.

They are like trees planted along the riverbank,

    bearing fruit each season.

Their leaves never wither,

    and they prosper in all they do.

But not the wicked!

    They are like worthless chaff, scattered by the wind.

 They will be condemned at the time of judgment.

    Sinners will have no place among the godly.

For the Lord watches over the path of the godly,

    but the path of the wicked leads to destruction.

 

Where do we receive counsel? Do we follow the trends and customs of this world? The psalm is very explicit in its warnings. We are not to take advice  from the wicked or have no position of proximity to the ways of the world. We are promised joy when we refuse to fraternize with sin. Our delight should be in the law of the Lord. God’s word is our blueprint, our roadmap, our influence. We are to meditate on it day and night. That means that we are to think about God’s word repeatedly. We are to let it seep into our consciousness and permeate our souls. The psalm then describes people who make the word of God their primary mode of influence.  He  describes them as a tree, planted along the riverbank, bearing fruit each season. Their leaves never wither, and they prosper in all they do. The Lord fortifies and blesses those who delight in His Word. We are promised fruitfulness and abundance when we choose to adhere to God’s word.  Do we delight in the Word of God? Is it a source of joy to meditate on His Word? It is imperative to pray for a deep desire for God’s Word. In Psalm 119, the psalmist declares that God’s word is a lamp to our feet and a light to our path. God’s word  brings light and illuminates dark places. The psalm contrasts the believer with the wicked. The psalmist describes the wicked as worthless chaff, scattered by the wind. The wicked have no purpose or strength. They are easily discarded, and God will judge them. The psalmist then declares God’s protection over the path of the godly. However, the path of the wicked leads to despair and ruin.

 

Lessons

 

1.       Let God direct your path—It is easy to be influenced by the customs of this world. However, God’s word instructs us to follow His Word. God’s word contains life, wisdom, hope, and salvation. God is the only one equipped to direct our lives. Let us delight in the law of the Lord. Let us ponder His precepts day and night. Let us let the word of God marinate in our hearts.

2.       God promises us that we will be fruitful if we delight in His Word. The path to security and abundance is found in abiding in the True Vine. It is found in a rich relationship with Christ. God promises us a life of blessing if we cling to Him and live unashamedly for Him. We will be fruitful and prosperous, not just in material things but spiritually as well. We will have good success.

3.       There is punishment for the wicked- The wicked will not go unpunished. Justice will be served, and the wicked will be judged for their deeds. There is no benefit to being sinful.

4.       The Lord watches over the path of the godly- God delights in every detail of His children’s lives. He directs our path and provides for us. There are innumerable benefits in following Him