The Psalm that Forever Changed Me

Back in my high school days (feels like a hundred years ago—haha!), I had an incredible, godly lady who inspired me to dive into Psalm 1. She challenged me to apply it to my life. She didn't just suggest it; she dared me and a few friends to memorize the passage! Now, I'm not someone who memorizes things easily, but I accepted the challenge. As I read and reread those words and meditated on their meaning, the message became deeply and meaningfully engraved upon my heart.

These words have truly been lifesavers for me! They've guided me to make wise decisions again and again. From that time in my life to now, reading this psalm has been incredibly rewarding each time I turn back to these familiar words. May I share it with you today? You will find it as much of a blessing as I do. You may even want to share it with a teenager in your life. 

Psalm 1 begins with: "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."

In this context, the term "blessed" signifies happiness. Therefore, a man or woman is truly happy or filled with joy when they choose not to be influenced by those who do not follow the Lord. While there may be temporary excitement, in the long run, folly and wickedness come with a cost. This verse is not saying to try to remove yourself from anyone who is not a believer; how could we then be salt and light? The point is, in a culture that celebrates wrong and mocks Christianity, find your tribe in those who are swimming against the current and chasing hard after godliness. 

Notice the slow fade the verbs indicate: walking, standing, and finally pausing to sit. At times, we may be inclined to believe that we can walk closely with someone who is not following the Lord. We tell ourselves that they will not influence us. Too often, before we know it, we are tempted to stand in alignment with sinners. Ultimately, we find ourselves seated comfortably among those who scoff at God. The warning is to beware and choose your friends carefully. There is a saying that if you show me your five closest friends, I'll show you what your life will reflect in 5 years. So often, that proves true. We must choose wisely.

The concluding part of verse 2 states, "BUT his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night." What a contrast! The term "delight" signifies more than mere enjoyment; it reflects a deep joy and satisfaction that comes from knowing and submitting to the Lord and his laws. The term "law" can be seen in a general sense of all of the Bible. Those who find delight in the Bible, God's Word, discover wisdom and goodness in their walk, along with a profound sense of spiritual fulfillment.

Meditating on Scripture day and night fosters a deep love and respect for the Word of God, as it prioritizes the relationship with the Lord, emphasizing that it is all about Jesus and following Him. As one thinks on Scripture, they will become closer to the Lord. 

Verse 3 reads, "He is like a tree planted by streams of water that yields fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither. In all that he does, he prospers." What a picture of strength, stability, and fruitfulness! The tree with roots that run deep, drinking the water from the streams, is a picture of the believer who lets his spiritual roots run deep, drinking from God's word. As he drinks, he becomes strong because his roots run deep. As he grows stronger, he produces fruit. And all that he does prospers! This is true even in the difficult seasons of life. We may not see the fruit in every season, but we know that God is faithful to His Word, and we are building a life that is honoring Him. We will see the fruit in due season.

Friends, as I revisit the passage and once again meditate on each word, I know this to be true in my life. God has given me joy. He has blessed me beyond measure, and I am thankful for the principles of His Word. As my friend challenged me, I challenge you. Dive deep into Psalm 1:1-6. Memorize its truth. As you do, you will never be the same. 

I double dare you. :)