“Blessed is the
man Who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly, Nor stands in the path of
sinners, Nor sits in the seat of the scornful; But his delight is in the law of
the LORD, And in His law he meditates day and night. He shall be like a tree Planted
by the rivers of water, That brings forth its fruit in its season, Whose leaf
also shall not wither; And whatever he does shall prosper. The ungodly are not
so, But are like the chaff which the wind drives away. Therefore the ungodly
shall not stand in the judgment, Nor sinners in the congregation of the
righteous. For the LORD knows the way of the righteous, But the way of the
ungodly shall perish.” (Psalm 1 NKJ)
What a strange way
for the Psalter to begin its encouragement. But a comparison of ways is good
encouragement. It helps us see the limits, inferring we’ve all been there,
while giving us a model to follow.
for the Psalter to begin its encouragement. But a comparison of ways is good
encouragement. It helps us see the limits, inferring we’ve all been there,
while giving us a model to follow.
I suppose we have
all accepted ungodly counsel at some time or other, for every person’s ways are
right in his/her eyes. I cringe to think of how many times I may have hindered
the path of others. And to remember scornful speech . . . well, I’d rather not.
all accepted ungodly counsel at some time or other, for every person’s ways are
right in his/her eyes. I cringe to think of how many times I may have hindered
the path of others. And to remember scornful speech . . . well, I’d rather not.
I’d prefer to focus
on the prescription for blessing: don’t listen to ungodly counsel; refrain from
sinful and scornful behavior; delight in God’s commands; and meditate on God’s
word continuously. By the grace of God I will!
on the prescription for blessing: don’t listen to ungodly counsel; refrain from
sinful and scornful behavior; delight in God’s commands; and meditate on God’s
word continuously. By the grace of God I will!
O the refreshment of
living water! What a blessing to be fruitful! What a promise: “whatever he does
shall prosper”!
living water! What a blessing to be fruitful! What a promise: “whatever he does
shall prosper”!
Dear Father, thank
you for reminding us. Empower us to be planted by living water and be fruitful
for your glory. This I pray in the name of Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord.
AMEN
you for reminding us. Empower us to be planted by living water and be fruitful
for your glory. This I pray in the name of Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord.
AMEN
Be strong and
courageous and blessed,
courageous and blessed,