Psalm 1:1-3 Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. (2) But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night. (3) And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.
Every decision that we make in life, we expect that choice to benefit us or else we simply wouldn’t choose something different. We choose one restaurant over another because at that moment, it sounds better. We select an outfit for the day, because we think we will look our best that day in that particular set of clothes. And so it goes with every choice we make.
But what can truly Benefit us? What can truly impact our lives? The right college? The right spouse? The right career? As humans, we try everything and we still are left feeling empty.
God, through inspiration gives us a prescription for real substantive Benefit. The understood, underlying context in this passage is that we are Benefitted or blessed when we are followers of God. But not just followers by name or claim only. The real Benefits come when we are truly and completely loyal to God. Let’s break it down.
1. Blessed is the Man that Walks NOT in the Counsel of the Ungodly.
There is real, substantive Benefit when we do not follow the advise of those who do not regard God’s will. Jesus tells us in Matt. 7:13-14 there is ONLY 1 road with diametrically opposed directions that lead through this life. One way, God’s way, leads to eternal life. The opposing direction, the worldly, selfish way, leads to our eternal destruction. If we asked for advise from someone going headstrong down the wrong way, would they give us advise that would help us go down the righteous way. There’s NO way. We must seek counsel from those that will advise us to do God’s will!
2. Blessed is the Man that Stands NOT in the Way of Sinners.
We have a choice. We can either pattern our lives after Jesus or we can pattern our lives after the sinful world.
Romans 12:1-2 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. (2) And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.
One of the foundational principles of being a follower of Jesus is that of repentance. We must NOT be shaped or molded by the influences of this world. Instead, we must forsake this world and allow ourselves to be molded by the will of God!
3. Blessed is the Man that Does NOT in the Seat of the Scornful.
Negativity begats more negativity! When we constantly surround ourselves with those that complain and find fault in everything and everyone around them, it will rub off on us. The fact is, as followers of Jesus, we have so much to be joyful about. Therefore we need to surround ourselves with outs that are likeminded.
4. Blessed is the Man Whose Delight is in the Law of the Lord.
Words mean things. Notice what we should delight in. It does not say that we should delight in the Love of God. It does not say that we should delight in the Mercy of God, But rather we should delight in the Law of the Lord. Laws are restrictions. Does God really want us to DELIGHT in the restrictions of God? That seems like a strange thing to delight in. But when we really think about it, it is accurate. As parents, why would we restrict our children from playing on a hot stove? Because we do not want them to get hurt. As our creator, God knows what’s best for us, so his laws and restrictions are there to Benefit and protect us. We may not understand it. But the wise person would and should embrace it.
Concluding Thoughts
Notice the result in verse 3 when we are Benefitted in a God directed manner. When we take this sound advise, when we surround ourselves with like-minded encouragers instead of detractors, when we limit the negetivity of the world, we are like a tree planted by a river. The perfect place. Perfectly suited for our Benefit. By the river there is plenty of moisture and nutrition. And there we can and will florish. We only flourish and thrive when we are planted in the guidence and Love of our magnificent creator. Else, we will be tossed to and fro through life, searching for empty, temporary, and even harmful satisfaction. Jesus is our only real source of Benefitand happiness in this life!