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1 Happy are those who do not follow the advice of the wicked, or take the path that sinners tread, or sit in the seat of scoffers; 2 but their delight is in the way of the Lord, and on his law, they meditate day and night. 3 They are like trees planted by streams of water, which yield their fruit in its season, and their leaves do not wither. In all they do they prosper.

4 The wicked are not so but are like chaff that the wind drives away. 5 Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous; 6 for the Lord watches over the way of the righteous, but the way of the wicked will perish.

This is the opening of the book of Psalms and serves as an introduction as it clearly points to the path of righteousness by following God’s wisdom while contrasting it to the choices that lead to ruin. The message is of true happiness that comes from avoiding bad influences and focusing on God’s word. The more time we are in God’s Word the more we are drawn to the path of righteousness.

I must confess some scripture speaks to me more than others and this is not one of them. I feel that for the most part my choices in life have been to be a rule follower and keeping the law. I admit sometimes you can find me defying the speed limit a bit, especially on a nice stretch of straight road. But for the most part I tend to walk the straight and narrow. The message here in Psalm 1 for me is that I really need to look at what I am doing in the way of being the trees that are planted by the streams? What fruit am I yielding? Am I spending enough time in the Word? What am I doing in my daily living that is serving others and the world God has given us? Not only what I have done, but what is left undone!

Perhaps we need to study the scripture that doesn’t speak to us immediately so we can ask the questions that we don’t feel particularly comfortable with.

Dear Lord, help us to make wise choices so that we can give honor and glory to you.

Sharon Rhodes Sharonrhodes76@hotmail.com

 

Prayer Concern: For those who struggle in discerning what is their path.

Additional scriptures: Titus1: 5-16. Numbers 5: 5-10