Psalm 1 – Oh, the joys of those who do not
follow the advice of the wicked,
or stand around with sinners,
or join in with mockers.
2 But they delight in the law of the Lord,
meditating on it day and night.
3 They are like trees planted along the riverbank,
bearing fruit each season.
Their leaves never wither,
and they prosper in all they do.

4 But not the wicked!
They are like worthless chaff, scattered by the wind.
5 They will be condemned at the time of judgment.
Sinners will have no place among the godly.
6 For the Lord watches over the path of the godly,
but the path of the wicked leads to destruction. (NLT)

Today we consider the very first Psalm, which many scholars believe to be a preface or introduction to the entire Book of Psalms.  I have used the New Living Translation, but many may be familiar with other translations.  Verse one is often translated as: “Blessed is the man.” I like the NLT for this psalm.  The word translated as blessed is plural in the Hebrew.  The word is used to describe that which is produced in our lives by living a godly life.  A godly life is a blessing, no doubt, but I believe those who are blessed by living a godly life know joys that others often overlook.

From the very first chapters of the Bible, and throughout, we know that God created us to have a relationship with God.  A relationship with God creates many blessings which produces great joy.  God created us to be happy and joy filled!  Indeed, the New Testament is filled with verses that speak of this joyful relationship.  Consider just a couple of those passages: For the Kingdom of God is not a matter of what we eat or drink, but of living a life of goodness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit (Romans 14:17); Though you do not see him now, you trust him; and you rejoice with a glorious, inexpressible joy (1 Peter 1:8); our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son, Jesus Christ. We are writing these things so that you may fully share our joy. (1 John 1:3-4).

Perhaps, one of the best known verses that speaks of this joy comes from Paul’s letter to the Galatians: the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. (Galatians 5:22-23).  Verses two and three of Psalm 1 tell us that we will produce this fruit in our lives if God is our delight.

Today, let us delight in the joy filled relationship that God desires with us.  Let us meditate on God’s Word, and be joyful!

Posted by Ramón Torres