Summer in the Psalms {Psalm 1: Blessed}
The Search for Joy
Where does your joy come from? In this hard world that sometimes hurts us to the core, the struggle is real and it seems as though every struggle we have tries to stifle our joy!
There is one thing I am sure of: In our ever-changing world. I want to rely on a never-changing God. We need the truth and stability found in God’s Word more than ever.
The Psalms were written for the Hebrew people to remember God’s presence, sovereignty, and power in the good times and the really hard times.
So let’s spend the summer together in the Psalms!
The Psalms
Psalms are exactly how they sound. They are songs or poems of praise to remind us that worship is to be the center of all things. What I like most about them is they are honest transparent conversations and prayers to God that include real, raw repentance, frustration, confusion, and lamenting.
The Psalms span the timeframe of Moses, through the Judges, to the Kings, and into the Exile. Psalms are divided into five books with two intro Psalms and five concluding Psalms. While I encourage you to read them all, each Monday I will share a few favorites.
Psalm 1
Psalm 1 is an intro psalm that contrasts the righteous and the wicked.
Blessed is the person who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked, Nor stands in the path of sinners, Nor sits in the seat of scoffers! Psalm 1:1 (NASB)
Psalm 1 starts right off by identifying what a blessed person does NOT do.
A blessed person does not:
- listen to the teachings of the world
- follow people who lead away from the Word
- keep company with those who reject God’s teachings
The Psalmist knows our thoughts determine our actions which develop into the company we keep. The Psalmist says that blessed people have discovered where the joy is so they stay away from those who zap us of it.
But his delight is in the Law of the LORD, and on His Law, he meditates day and night. Psalm 1:2 (NASB)
The Psalmist knows that the Law of the Lord is not only referring to the commandments of God’s Word. He knows: God’s Word leads to God and as Psalm 16:11 says, “In His presence is fullness of joy!”
He will be like a tree planted by streams of water, Which yields its fruit in its season, And its leaf does not wither; And in whatever he does, he prospers. Psalm 1:3 (NASB)
Just as hydration and physical nourishment for a tree come from streams of water; Soul Nourishment comes from God’s Word or the Living Water. Fruit comes from the Holy Spirit who is alive and thriving in the heart of a believer. He leads a full life. Whatever He does, He prospers.
The wicked are not so, But they are like chaff which the wind blows away. Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgment, Nor sinners in the assembly of the righteous. Psalm 1:4-5 (NASB)
In times of uncertainty, it’s vital to nourish the root which produces the fruit. Without the root, we are like the chaff who the wind blows to and fro. He lives for himself with regret for choices made based on the world’s promises versus the promises of God. There is no community to support a selfish person.
For the LORD knows the way of the righteous, But the way of the wicked will perish. Psalm 1:6 (NASB)
Blessed
Why is the righteous man blessed? Because He delights in God’s Word! The Psalms set a great example for us to follow to lead us back to God. Although the context and time period were different, The authors’ struggles were the same.
In the Psalms we get a glimpse of hearts transformed: selfishness leads to repentance, frustration leads to trust, confusion leads to calmness, sorrows and remorse lead to lamenting, anxiety turns to trust, and worry turns into beautiful praise and worship.
Where JOY is found
The Psalmist contrasts the wicked with the righteous for the reader to understand where delight or joy is found!
In every Psalm, God meets the author right where he is and transforms his heart because in His presence is fullness of JOY! I want a joy-filled transformed heart that reflects the love of our good, good Father, do you?
Please join us as we travel through the psalms together this summer!
Friends, family, students, athletes, teachers, coaches, administrators, “You’ve Got this Today” because He has you.
These truths come from God’s Word. God’s Word is true. God’s Word is enough.
You are so loved.
Happy Monday!
To watch the Psalm 1 video devotional click here!
Basking in His Light
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