Devotions

Psalm 1:3a He is like a tree planted opposite irrigation channels.

You can tell the difference between trees planted in the right place and those improperly planted. The water source ensures that the tree can thrive. God’s instructions are our water source. If we stay in God’s word, just living our lives will lead to ultimate success.

Psalm 1:2b and he keeps thinking about the LORD’S instructions daily and nightly.

The person who focuses on permanent things does not have room for trivial pursuits. His daily thoughts center on what God says, and he keeps the theme as he rests at night. In fact, the word of God invaded his dreams.

Psalm 1:2a But he wants to do what the LORD has instructed

It’s not enough to simply avoid the contamination of wrongdoing. The really fortunate person focuses on what God has commanded because God ‘s instructions offer an alternative to the sinners’ road. There are only two roads. You have to want to follow the right one.

Psalm 1:1g he does not sit

To sit in the critic’s chair is to judge others. Jesus calls us to focus on bettering ourselves, not others. There are many things wrong with people around us, so the temptation to complain will be great. But that is not the way to please God.

Psalm 1:1f  and in the critics’ chair

The progression ends with a bitter man always criticizing and complaining about others. A lifetime devoted to self ends in a lack of respect for everything around you. It is also devoid of movement and true progress. The sharpest criticism is reserved for those still trying to learn God and serve him. Instead of following bad advice, the man in the critic’s chair is now giving it, restarting the cycle.

Psalm 1:1e He does not stand

When Penny and I were discussing this text, we found that the progression it describes is more complex than you might think. It seems backwards. It starts with walking, then standing, then sitting. If you find yourself standing on the sinners’ road, you have already made several wrong choices. It does not matter how well you walk if you have chosen the wrong path.

Psalm 1:1d And on the sinners’ road

We have encountered quite a few unmarked paths so far. Some looked enticing because they might be shortcuts to our destination. But we stayed on the marked trail. All it takes is one wrong path and our final objective can be lost. The sinners’ road isn’t worth the gamble.

Psalms 1:1a That man is fortunate-

A man has all that anyone can ask for, a life to be envied. He is on his way to yet another dream vacation, enjoying the best food, the most beautiful women, in his private plane.

Do not call that man fortunate. His plane is going to crash. We cannot judge true fortune by temporary signs.

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