QT 2/14/2024 Ps 1:1-3, Healthy versus unhealthy progression

Psalm 1:1–3 (ESV) —

1 Blessed is the man

who walks not in the counsel of the wicked,

nor stands in the way of sinners,

nor sits in the seat of scoffers;

2 but his delight is in the law of the Lord,

and on his law he meditates day and night.

3 He is like a tree

planted by streams of water

that yields its fruit in its season,

and its leaf does not wither.

In all that he does, he prospers.

 

NOTE: There is an interesting progression that occurs in verse one, the man is first walking, then standing, and lastly sitting. While he is walking, the wicked are trying to counsel him, give him advice. Next, he is standing and engaging sinners in a discussion -- He is listening to their advice. Finally, he has taken his seat with them and is scoffing at the believers who walk by -- who believe it is best to follow God.  How do we reverse this? The first step is the word of God, delighting and meditating in it. So few people truly read the word of God every day. They read devotionals, but they don't read the scriptures. The word of God is a tremendously powerful book that will completely transform a person's life if he will only dig into it daily. As you get into the word of God, the effect is that of a tree near a streams where a tree's roots can reach out and have a constant refreshing source of water. Three things happen in contrast to the previous three. I think this is chiastic,  that is, the psalmists walks back the previous three. This is very common form of Jewish writing. So the last stage is fruit in every season, the stage prior is that the leaf doesn't wither, and the first stage is the person begins to prosper (not financially, but in all ways) in life. When life has joy is when you are starting to search the scriptures (walking). When you stand, and start to study the scriptures, you don't wither, you can take on the storms of life. When you sit, really allow the scriptures to take over your life, you produce fruit. Instead of scoffing, you are giving good advice (fruit) to others.

 

PONDER:

1. As regards to the scripture, what group am in, the sinners, or those who meditate on God's word DAILY?
2. As regards to the level or stage, what is happening with my life? Am I heading toward scoffing or producing fruit?

 

PRAYER: Father, thank you for the power of your word to transform my life and others. The enemy has been very effective at making people think they are too busy to spend time in your word, and yet it is the most important thing we can possibly do for our souls. Teach me through your word.