Pursue the Way of God

Psalm 1 introduces the Book of Psalms by encouraging us to live righteously before God. In fact, this psalm pronounces God's blessing on all who live a righteous life before Him. It does so by contrasting God's rewards over and against His judgment.

Psalm 1 promotes wise, godly living. It begins by speaking of blessing: "Blessed is the man" (v. 1a). This speaks of joy and gratitude on the part of one who is in fellowship with the Lord. This joy is God's gift to the righteous which nothing can deny or take away.

Our joy is promoted in two ways: separating ourselves from the wicked (v. 1b) and associating with God (v. 2). "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" (vs. 1-2).

Three negative phrases in verse 1 describe how we are to separate ourselves from the wicked. Do not live by the counsel of ungodly people. Do not stand with sinners or follow their lifestyle. Dare to be different! Do not be "scornful" (v. 1d). Do not get caught up in mocking or scoffing at others, or making scathing comments.

Rather, follow the two positive thoughts of verse 2. Delight yourself in the Word of God. Meditate on it "day and night" (v. 2b). Read it daily. Study it. Let it become a part of you. Live by its every word and command.

Note the contrast made here between the godly and the wicked. Those who are godly are compared to a tree: "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" (v. 3). The tree purposely planted by water prospers with fruit and leaves. In the same way, he who purposely plants himself in the Word of God is blessed with righteousness and truth.

"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" (vs. 4-5). The wicked are compared to mere "chaff which the wind drives away" (v. 4b). This shows the ease with which God will deal with the ungodly. In the end comes judgment, and the wicked will not stand. Only the righteous will be blessed in the judgment.

The Lord knows those who are His. He intimately knows those who follow Him in godliness and He assures them of His care for them, His protection of them, and His rewards that await them. Note verse 6: "For the Lord knows the way of the righteous, but the way of the ungodly shall perish."

Don't perish with the ungodly. Rather, stand with the righteous. Walk after the way of the Lord. Pursue the way of God! Amen.