Psalm 1
v1 “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,
v2 but whose delight is in the law of the Lord,
and who meditates on his law day and night.
v3 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.
Not so the wicked! v4
They are like chaff that the wind blows away.
Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgment, v5
nor sinners in the assembly of the righteous.
For the Lord watches over the way of the righteous, v6
but the way of the wicked leads to destruction.”
This Psalm is an indication and invitation of how to live `God`s way` - and contrasts the fete of those who choose otherwise
In this world trusting in the Lord is not that easy, the alternative is easier but the results may not be as desired..
​
This is what the LORD says: "Cursed is the one who trusts in man, who draws strength from mere flesh and whose heart turns away from the LORD. That person will be like a bush in the wastelands; they will not see prosperity when it comes. They will dwell in the parched places of the desert, in a salt land where no one lives.
verse 1
Jeremiah 17:5-8
But blessed is the one who trusts in the LORD, whose confidence is in him. They will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit."
Walk -- Stand -- Sit
Psalm 1 indicates that our movements affect our life – or rather what we do and how we relate to the world around us. It illustrates with three body postures – walking, standing or sitting. How we walk, stand or sit reveals our intentions. If the ‘counsel’ we listen to is of the wrong quality we will be open to a wrong course of action, if we sit (the Hebrew suggests dwelling or abiding) amongst mockers then we can take on that culture and become mockers of others and cynical. If we stand in the way of sinners too long then we may be shaped by their influence and drawn to join them.
Resisting such people can be difficult, because often they couch their advice in ways that look quite attractive. Furthermore, they often wield power, and are prepared to use it against those who defy them. However, their advice is likely to lead to destruction. Jesus calls us to the narrow, difficult road that leads to life rather than the wide, smooth road that leads to death
Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road
that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. Matthew 7:13
Psalm 1 challenges us to be people whose walking, sitting and standing are marked by two actions: ‘delighting’ and ‘meditating’. These tend to be internal. They are meant to be the default mode of our hearts and minds – occupying ourselves with the right things. It reminds us of Philippians 4:8 “whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable – if anything is excellent or praiseworthy – think about such things”. This is an encouragement to be people who meditate and delight – walking, standing and sitting the God way.
verse 2
"Delighting in the Lord .... meditating day and night
Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful.
Joshua 1:8
Loving God is loving his ways. Loving his ways is living them out. His ways are found in the Bible. The only way to consistently live according to his ways is to meditate often on his Word, therefore getting to know him.
“Blessed" from verse 1 can translate as `happy` or `fulfilled.` In Hebrew the word is plural, which denotes either a multiplicity of blessings or an intensification of them. In the presence of God, that is our state.
Also, ‘Blessed is the man.’ not a specific role or person but this blessedness is attainable by any and all, as we choose to get to know Him.
verse 3
Fruit bearing is in season, according to the ordained rhythms of the seasons. It is comforting to know that fruit will not always be seen but that does not mean the tree is useless. It takes time to develop wisdom to be fully utilised in God`s plan.
There is a time for everything, and a season
for every activity under the heavens:
Ecclesiastes 3:1
Planted by water, there is a plentiful and constant source of life-giving water. - That has a visual effect
verse 4
"not so the chaff" - the contrast is stated with chaff that is useless and blown away by the wind when winnowed.
The chaff was once among the grain, but in the end it is useless, to be ignored, forgotten, trod underfoot or burnt.
As it is blown away, it is unsteady, hollow and no match for the breeze.
We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure. It enters the inner sanctuary behind the curtain, Hebrews 6:19
verse 5
Good and bad counsel and judgement
v1 speaks of avoiding the counsel of the ungodly. With all the advice that comes to us, from so many different sources, the righteous man knows how to stay away from unwise counsel. The righteous and wise know firstly how to discern and from where the counsel comes. Sadly, many don`t even consider where the information is from but hear advice and theories and believe them to be right or wrong without properly weighing them, and particularly against God`s statutes.
... He will be called Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace... Isaiah 9:6
Your statutes are my delight; they
are my counsellors. Psalm 119:24
When judgement comes (v.5), the wicked will be found lacking, unable to stand as like chaff they have no weight. Also, sinners who remain in that state will have no glorious future in God`s kingdom like the righteous.
verse 6
The Lord knows the way
At times our path may seem obscured, misty, full of pot-holes, but take courage, God knows your way.
For I know the plans. I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper, you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.
Jeremiah 29:11
This is what the LORD says: "Stand at the crossroads and look; ask for the ancient paths, ask where the good way is, and walk in it, and you will find rest for your souls... Jeremiah 6:16
The secret to the Blessed / Happy person is that the Lord watches over them whereas the ungodly have no such help. God does show impartiality with love and mercy to both because he causes the sun to shine on everyone and has given life and breath to everyone but there is another assurance that the Blessed person has because he has a relationship with the Creator.