Psalm 1, which introduces the book of Psalms, presents two paths in life. One is the path of the righteous, a life rooted in God's Word and marked by His blessing. The other is the path of the wicked, which ultimately leads to ruin. As followers of Jesus, we are called to walk the path of wisdom and delight in God's Word. The other is the path of the wicked, or the path of ruin. Thus the book of Psalms begins with a dualistic view of life: two paths, two people, two ways to live. In our modern world, this may seem too restrictive. We want many ways and many options to happiness and satisfaction.
But Psalm 1 reminds us that there are only two. There is the wise way and the foolish way. A blessed way and a wicked way. A fulfilling way and an empty way. At the beginning of our journey, we must choose which path we will take.
1:1 “The Blessed person knows what to avoid”
We start out looking at what to avoid. Before we look at how the blessed man is to live, we look at what the blessed man avoids. The blessed man avoids the advice of the wicked. They don’t find themselves taking in the words and advice the world offers. People on the blessed path also don’t find themselves standing in the way of sinners walk. Such pathways carry us along to places we don’t want to be. Although we should build friendships with those who do not believe, we must be careful not to join them in their sin.
For if we do, we find ourselves on the wrong path. We will find ourselves being called and whisked along the ways that lead to ruin. The blessed and wise person knows who to let into their inner circle of influence and will limit the advice of a world that denies the power and glory of our King.
1:2-3 “The Blessed Path fulfills and nourishes”
The one who avoids the wicked path and walks the blessed path finds themselves delighting in God and His Word. Such a person’s thoughts are constantly on the Lord and His ways. ‘Day and night’ denote a constant awareness of God and His Word. This is a mark of a blessed life. Far from the thoughts, words, and actions of the wicked, the blessed person is focused on God’s advice, words, and actions.
What characterizes such a person?? They will be planted and nourished like a well-planted tree. Standing firm throughout life’s storms. The blessed person bears fruit because their nourishment comes from the Lord. As we delight in His Word, the Spirit produces fruit in our lives. We prosper in life because we are on God’s path. This isn't necessarily material. This is prosperity in life with joy throughout the storms and difficulties of life. Even amid life's storms, the Lord sustains those who trust in Him.
This happens when we plant ourselves in the daily habit of God's Word. Do we plant ourselves there? Do we find our deepest satisfaction in the presence of the Father? The answers to these questions are immensely important. Only here will we find ourselves being nourished by the Father even as difficulties and trials surround us.
1:4-6 “Blessedness of the Righteous and Futility of the Wicked”
The wicked are the opposite of this sturdy, nourished path. Theirs is the path of futility. They aren’t planted, but instead float away on the winds of this life. Those who find themselves away from God’s path in life find themselves standing apart from God and His people.
The righteous or blessed path, by contrast, is under the watchful eye of God. He knows your steps, where they will lead, and to the wonderful fellowship they lead to. The path of the wicked is opposite. Their path leads to ruin and destruction.
Conclusion
On life’s journey, we must choose which path we must take. One path leads to life and nourishing waters with fruitful seasons. The other path leads to futility and ruin. Which path you take matters infinitely, or should we say eternally. Which path will you take and which life will you lead? That is the question that Psalm 1 asks of us today. How will you answer?