There’s no better place to start than in Psalm 1. It is a well-known and favourite psalm to many, including myself and is well worth memorising. I know that as you read this today you will be blessed as you are already putting into practice what this psalm says to do, planting and putting yourself in God’s Word!
This psalm outlines what attributes to a ‘blessed’ person and therefore highlights the contrasts. Verse 1 starts with a warning; we are warned against allowing ourselves to be influenced by and becoming like those we spend time with; those not walking with God.
There is a progression here, from walking with the wicked to standing and then sitting. The warning is that if we start out in the direction of the wicked (walk), position ourselves to allow them to influence us (stand), we eventually become one of them (sit).
We cannot allow ourselves to lose our capacity for truth and with that, blur the lines between right and wrong.
The more time we spend walking, standing and sitting with ungodly people who we allow to lead and influence us into their ways, the harder it will become to hold truth, God’s truth in our lives, until eventually we actually start to think, act and become like them. Some relationships are simply not helpful, and we need to consider carefully who we surround ourselves with. Think about those who influence you, your decisions and your life and choose to delight in God.
David the psalmist, tells us instead to meditate (chew over and over) on God’s Word (the Bible) and be blessed. When we do, we are like a tree drinking from a stream. We will grow strong and well and have life!
The psalm ends with a strong caution to those who choose the wicked way; it leads to destruction, as the wicked face the righteous judgement of God. Let’s spending more time meditating on God’s Word rather than listening to worldly influence.
Rather than dipping in and out of it, make it part of your routine, part of your every day. Plant and put yourself there, ‘eat’ it! Let His Word build good foundations for your life.
When you do, you will:
Produce good fruit when you’re meant to (v3)
You’ll be evergreen and won’t feel withered/worn out. (v3)
Whatever you do will thrive (v3)
The Lord will watch over you and your life (v6)
Think over / Meditate on:
Who in my life is an unhelpful influence?
What does being planted in God’s Word look like for me?
Ben
Ben Parsons, Lead Pastor - Sutton Central location