Psalm 1 - A Meditation

As a follower of Jesus Christ, I could easily become overwhelmed with distress and discouragement as I watch my nation in particular ever more blatantly following Satan as Lord and rejecting the one true LORD—but I’m not.  Yes, I am grieved; but because I am rooted in the truth of the word of God, I know that all is unfolding as God has foretold through His prophets.  I truly believe that the return of Jesus to gather His bride is virtually at the door.  So how does the child of God navigate these troubled times and find happiness?  I believe that Psalm 1 provides the key—by spending time in God’s word and fellowshipping with others that are part of God’s family.

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

A blessed man is a happy man.  As we read this psalm it becomes clear that this man is one that acknowledges God as THE LORD.  The psalmist describes this man as one who:

·      avoids fellowship with sin and sinners

·      doesn’t seek advice from people with bad morals

·      doesn’t have close relationships with those with sinful lifestyles

·      doesn’t fellowship with those who mock or make fun of others

Walking, standing and sitting depict a progressive position of ease and fellowship.  Our lives are a reflection of the actions and attitudes of those with whom we choose to associate..

Psalm 1:2 But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night.

The happy man finds his delight, value and purpose in the law of the Lord, the word of God.  He meditates on God’s word day and night, in the good times and the bad.  When we choose to meditate on God’s word at all times, it is not likely that we will find ourselves comfortable with sin or in fellowship with sinners.

Psalm 1:3 And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.

The blessed man is one who is growing and producing the fruit in his life, just as the Creator intended.  Notice that the fruit being produced is “his” fruit and that the timing is in “his” season.  God has a specific purpose for each one of us.  Notice also that he is compared to a tree that is planted in a place conducive to its growth.  If our delight is truly on the word of God, it keeps us in a position of taking in the proper spiritual nutrition that is necessary for healthy spiritual growth.  When we are deeply rooted in the Word, we stay strong and healthy spiritually and don’t have to worry about withering—falling into sin. 

In context, to “prosper” is to prosper spiritually. His life will give testimony to spiritual growth in him, ministry to others and glory to God.

Psalm 1:4 The ungodly are not so: but are like the chaff which the wind driveth away.

In contrast, the lives of ungodly people are compared to chaff, the worthless part of the grain.  In bible days the grain was tossed into the air, and the chaff was carried away by the wind while the useful grain fell back to earth.

Psalm 1:5 Therefore the ungodly shall not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous.

The wording is difficult in the KJV, but the idea is that the ungodly will not be upheld or successful when they stand in judgment before God; they will stand condemned.  Though every person is born a sinner, each one that places his faith in Jesus as Lord and Savior are imputed His very righteousness and presented blameless before God the Father. 

2 Corinthians 5:17 & 21 “Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new…. For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.”

Jude 1:24–25 “Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy, To the only wise God our Saviour….”

Psalm 1:6 For the LORD knoweth the way of the righteous: but the way of the ungodly shall perish.

What a blessing to know that the Lord is aware of and walking with the righteous man, the one trying to live according to His will as revealed in His word.  The ungodly man is left to walk alone, without the fellowship of God, and will eventually perish. 

John 3:16–18 “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.”

2 Thessalonians 1:7–9 “And to you who are troubled rest with us, when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with his mighty angels, In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ: Who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power;”

I pray that if you haven’t already, you will choose Jesus as your Lord and Savior.  Time is running out!