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
This is a beatitude (a statement about life). It's a word of wisdom.
There are two promises here, rewards for our obedience: stability and prosperity. But, there is action required on our part.
God’s plan for growth is to avoid the counsel of foolish individuals. You either walk in the path of the righteousness or the wicked. Notice the comfort level of walking the wicked path: walking, standing, and then sitting. The more you hang with the wicked, the more at home you will feel and eventually just camp out and sit down.
We are to listen to wise counsel. It's found in God's word. His instructions are to meditate on it day and night. If we desire to grow in God and gain wisdom in our walk with Him, we must be in His Word.
The person who soaks in the water of God’s word will become a strong tree, bearing fruit. The wicked are called dry chaff, which will be blown away. We need nutrients and strength, which can only come from the author of life, God Himself.
God’s Word promises that if you stay watered, with your roots firmly planted in Him, no matter what goes on around you, because your inner man is strong, your leaf will not wither. Our hope and trust is in the unwavering, immovable Word of God. Delight in God and allow Him to delight in You. Always remind yourself, when facing opposition, weariness or just a sense of hopelessness, that the Word encourages you to BE STRONG. Whatever you do shall prosper. If you are not prospering, look at what you truly are planted in, make the changes, and you'll prosper.
I want to be the oak by the stream that looks so magnificent because of the constant flow and nourishment from the water and life that surrounds it. I want my life to count for something and prosper in who I am as a believer in Christ.
The Lord “watches over” the righteous. He is with us and is our guide as we seek to bring honor to Him.
Prayer: Father, I thank You for who You are and what You're doing in my life. I can rely on You. You never change and You'll always love me. Fill me with Your joy today and help me to think about You all day long. Bless my day with Your presence. Let my thoughts be thoughts of You. Let my words and actions be pleasing to You. Create in me a desire to make Your Word my strongest delight, and the primary guiding influence in my life. I praise You and thank You for who You are in Jesus' name, amen.