1 Blessed is the one
who does not walk in step with the wicked
or stand in the way that sinners take
or sit in the company of mockers,
2 but whose delight is in the law of the Lord,
and who meditates on his law day and night.
3 That person is like a tree planted by streams of water,
which yields its fruit in season
and whose leaf does not wither—
whatever they do 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 leads to destruction.
Psalm 1:1-6 (NIV)
Time after time, any good Bible teacher will expound upon the fact that regular study of God’s Word is essential to fight our enemy. When the enemy tried to tempt Jesus, what did our Lord start His response with? It is written...
In looking at this Psalm, it is apparent that (as the MacArthur Study Bible puts it) its theme is as big as the entire Bible! People are lumped basically into one of two categories: Godly and ungodly. The outcome of both is clearly and concisely laid out.
Verse one reminds me of a lesson my mother tried to impress upon me many times when I was growing up: if you hang around dogs, you’re going to get fleas. I spent a great deal of time among ungodly people and often acted as one myself. I paid a price for that. I am not proud of that part of my journey, too say the least. That’s why I am eternally grateful for my Sovereign God’s grace!
Verse two makes it plain that I should desire study of the word — not feeling so much that it’s a chore, as it is a privilege. The NIV Study Bible note on this passage states in italics: day and night. Good reminder.
Verse three tells me what I can expect from regular devotion to the study and implementation of God’s Word. As Charles Stanley puts it in the Life Principles Bible, He doesn’t promise there will be no trials, but He will provide eventual victory (if we are submissive to His will).
Verses 4 and 5 let me know what happens to those who aren’t elect, who scoff at the Word of God, often regarding it as foolishness. Woe to them. The Reformation Study Bible (Ligonier Ministries) says that the wicked are like dead and rootless plants that are easily uprooted and blown away by a puff of wind.
Verse 6 ties it all up for me. There is a tremendous sense of satisfaction to the knowledge that God is watching over me and there for me in times of trouble. The best, most constant reminder off so that God is not simply regarded as some invisible, unnoticed power in my life is prayer. Not just a little (as I am often guilty of) but a whole lot. Prayer without ceasing.
16 Always ·be joyful [rejoice]. 17 Pray ·continually [without ceasing], 18 and give thanks ·whatever happens [in all circumstances; in everything]. That is ·what God wants [God’s will] for you in Christ Jesus. – 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (EXB)
Loving Jesus 