WALK, STAND, SIT

Psalm 1:1-3

 

“Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked or stand in the way of sinners or sit in the seat of mockers.  But his delight is in the law of the LORD, and on his law he meditates day and night.  He is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither. Whatever he does prospers.”

 

The opening sentence of the Book of Psalms is pithy and powerful.  If you want to be happy, it says, don’t listen to what the godless say, don’t do what worldly people do, and don’t go where the unbelievers go.  Simple advice, but a little hard to follow in 21st Century America . . . we are surrounded by godless, worldly, unbelieving people.  And the pressure is pretty strong to follow the crowd – to join the club. 

 

Doesn’t it seem like every time you turn around, someone is there with a better plan for your life?  Everybody has a little bit of advice about what’s really important and how you ought to live and what you ought to think?  We have become accustomed to considering the recommendations of everyone from radio talk-show hosts to sports stars.  But the Psalmist says that following the wisdom of men is NOT the way to happiness.  If we lack wisdom we are supposed to ask GOD for it (James 1:5)!  Of course, He may deliver that wisdom through godly leaders or teachers or friends; but it is HIS wisdom that we need.  Blessing (i.e., happiness and fulfillment) comes to the man who does NOT walk in the counsel of people who don’t know God or value His Word.  Instead the one who seeks happiness and fulfillment in life must consider and study and meditate on the words of the Bible.  He must put truth ahead of political correctness, and holiness ahead of fashion.  He must accept that the best way may not be the most popular way.  He must discover that the easy way my not be the most fruitful way.  But if he does, he becomes like a tree planted by the river, and whatever he does prospers. 

 

Live long and prosper, my friend!

 

--- Pastor Keith Andrews