The Pathway to God’s Blessings
“Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers; but his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night.” - Psalm 1:1-2
The book of the Psalms opens with this beautiful song about how to walk on the pathway of God’s blessings. These psalms were intended to be sung by individuals and groups of people gathered to worship the Lord. Spoken and written words have incredible value for teaching; however, the power of a song surpasses the head for the heart. Worship is about bringing the whole self before the Lord in praise, gratitude, and adoration.
Much like the writing of the Apostle John in his first epistle, Psalm 1 presents two ways of living: in the counsel of the wicked or in the law of the Lord. There seems to be no middle ground. To choose the law of the Lord is to choose to worship God and to align one’s life to his covenantal teachings and promises. By knowing, believing, and obeying God’s law, we bring the fullness of our hearts, souls, and minds into relationship with the Father.
Meditate has become a buzz word in today’s society. It seems that meditation can heal the mind, body, and spirit of ailments. I am frequently asked what we are to meditate on in order to find such healing. God’s word answers that question. Joy, peace, and healing are found in meditating on the law of God, not just for a few minutes at a time, but throughout the day and night. Meditating on the law of the Lord provides a deeper understanding of God’s love, his goodness, his mercy, his grace, as well as his plans and purposes. To meditate is to allow God’s word to penetrate the fullness of one’s very being.
Knowing – believing – obeying – meditating. These actions lead to delighting in who God is and what he has commanded us to do. The one who does these things is blessed. You can choose to walk in the counsel of the wicked or you can choose to walk in the law of the Lord. As Moses wrote when his time on Earth was drawing to a close: “Therefore, choose life, that you and your offspring may live, loving the Lord your God, obeying his voice, and holding fast to him, for he is your life and length of days, that you may dwell in the land that the Lord swore to your fathers, to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob, to give them” (Deuteronomy 30:20).
Reflection:
Which pathway are you on today?
The book of the Psalms opens with this beautiful song about how to walk on the pathway of God’s blessings. These psalms were intended to be sung by individuals and groups of people gathered to worship the Lord. Spoken and written words have incredible value for teaching; however, the power of a song surpasses the head for the heart. Worship is about bringing the whole self before the Lord in praise, gratitude, and adoration.
Much like the writing of the Apostle John in his first epistle, Psalm 1 presents two ways of living: in the counsel of the wicked or in the law of the Lord. There seems to be no middle ground. To choose the law of the Lord is to choose to worship God and to align one’s life to his covenantal teachings and promises. By knowing, believing, and obeying God’s law, we bring the fullness of our hearts, souls, and minds into relationship with the Father.
Meditate has become a buzz word in today’s society. It seems that meditation can heal the mind, body, and spirit of ailments. I am frequently asked what we are to meditate on in order to find such healing. God’s word answers that question. Joy, peace, and healing are found in meditating on the law of God, not just for a few minutes at a time, but throughout the day and night. Meditating on the law of the Lord provides a deeper understanding of God’s love, his goodness, his mercy, his grace, as well as his plans and purposes. To meditate is to allow God’s word to penetrate the fullness of one’s very being.
Knowing – believing – obeying – meditating. These actions lead to delighting in who God is and what he has commanded us to do. The one who does these things is blessed. You can choose to walk in the counsel of the wicked or you can choose to walk in the law of the Lord. As Moses wrote when his time on Earth was drawing to a close: “Therefore, choose life, that you and your offspring may live, loving the Lord your God, obeying his voice, and holding fast to him, for he is your life and length of days, that you may dwell in the land that the Lord swore to your fathers, to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob, to give them” (Deuteronomy 30:20).
Reflection:
Which pathway are you on today?
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