Scripture Reading(s)
Psalm 1
1:1 Happy are those who do not follow the advice of the wicked, or take the path that sinners tread, or sit in the seat of scoffers;
1:2 but their delight is in the law of the LORD, and on his law they meditate day and night.
1:3 They are like trees planted by streams of water, which yield their fruit in its season, and their leaves do not wither. In all that they do, they prosper.
1:4 The wicked are not so, but are like chaff that the wind drives away.
1:5 Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous;
1:6 for the LORD watches over the way of the righteous, but the way of the wicked will perish.
Reflections
There are two opposing life styles being brought to light in this passage. The first represents the life of a believer and the second is the life of one who rejects Christ. Within those two viewpoints are reasons as to how a believer’s life in Christ is more deep and meaningful and also points to why the life of a non-Christian is left with emptiness and feeling broken.
- The life of a believer:
- Strong-willed against sin (vs 1)
- Finds joy and fulfillment in reading God’s word-studies it and applies it daily (vs 2
- Their life is full of a vibrant and obvious joy found only in God. It is evident to those around them and is seen displayed clearly in their lives (vs 3)
- They are victorious in all things through the strength of Christ (vs 3)
- The life of a non-Christian
- Their life is dry and empty (vs 4)
- Their life is meaningless (vs 4)
- They will give an account of their life, mainly being judged for rejecting Christ (vs 5)
- In the end, their wicked ways will not last (vs 5)
This Psalm describes a Christian who is not only happy due to having Christ living in their hearts but are also seeking true joy from not giving into sin and what the world has to offer. This passage is a reflection of a true, authentic Christ-centered heart whose life’s meaning is found in the things of God and His word. Let us strive hard to be obedient to God’s word and to pray that God instills in our hearts a deeper joy in His word and in His love for us.
Not only is God’s path the righteous one but it’s the one where we are filled with life, wisdom, and good fruit. We shall reap the rewards for following the Lord both in this life and the next.
Happy are those who do not follow the advice of the wicked, or take the path that sinners tread, or sit in the seat of scoffers
May we always remember that the Lord has provided us with resources and instructions on how to live this life. Following those instructions will provide us with many blessings. Failing to do so can end in disaster.
Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge, but whoever hates correction is stupid. (Proverbs 12:1)
[Featured image from christianglobe.com]