Psalm 1 - Tuesday Praise & Pray (for others) March 28, 2023

Psalm 1:1 - 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.

Recently, this verse forced me to consider some very frank and practical questions. For instance, how exactly does one avoid walking with the wicked in a world when it is evident that most are ungodly. Also, how does a person not stand in the way that sinners take when every human sins? As for not sitting among "mockers", the Brenton Septuagint Translation made it clear that such types are essentially those who are evil. How, therefore, can one avoid evil people?

However, there was no need for concern as the very next verse in the chapter provided the needed insight. Psalm 1:2 - Rather, he delights in the teachings of the LORD and reflects on his teachings day and night (GWT).

God provided the answer - we are to delight in His word and spend time with it. This makes sense when we think about it. If a person delights in smelling good, for instance, they would invest time, money, and more in ensuring they smelled awesome at all times, right?

We need to do the same regarding the Lord. And the Bible is the way to align with the instructions of Psalm 1:1. The more time we spend with the word of God, the easier it is to hear what He is telling us on a daily basis. God constantly throws up red flags to keep us from stepping, standing, and sitting in the company of those we are to avoid. However, it is only when we seek that guidance in His word that we will actually receive it. At that point, He transforms us into godly people who live righteously, and aren't sinners through His grace.

And if you wonder what the blessing for this is, look no further than Psalm 1:3 - 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. So often, we pray that God will bless the works of our hands but God has given us a crucial key to achieve this - delight in His word. Then, success will come, for in His word is everything needed for this life and the one to come.

God is straightforward. Not only does He reveal the blessings for obedience, He also shares the consequences for disobedience. Those who fail to delight in His word, will become like the wicked and endure their punishment. Psalm 1:5 - They will be condemned at the time of judgment. Sinners will have no place among the godly. Believers should be heaven-minded, desiring to stand before the Lord - among the godly - and not those who will gnash their teeth (Matthew 13:49-50).

The Bible is filled with many more blessings for the godly as well as curses for the unrighteous. As is always the case with God, He leaves us to make the choice. I pray, we will all invest in His word so we become knowledgeable and are not destroyed for lack of understanding as stated in Hosea 4:6. IJMN, Amen.

See you at Noon EST for fellowship. God bless you!