Today we start a new series where we dive into the book of Psalms. Here we find songs written in all sorts of life’s circumstances and emotions – in times of joy, celebration, harvest, happiness and in times of loss, suffering, grief, while perplexed and in the midst of questions. These songs give expression to our own emotions and empower us to fully engage in our relationship with our heavenly Father.
In Psalm 119:11 it says, “Your word have I hidden in my heart that I might not sin against You.” Over the next several weeks I will share from Psalms where I have hidden a portion of it in my heart or that has special significance to me. Just like songs that we enjoy and hear and sing over and over – I encourage you to pick one and memorize it and meditate on it that it would spontaneously flow from your spirit!
Today we look at Psalm 1. This Psalm contrasts the godly and the ungodly man. The godly man is blessed because he chooses people who will give him good counsel. He loves sinners, but does not conform to their ways. He is not scornful, nor has a critical spirit nor a judgmental attitude.
The godly man delights in God’s Word and meditates in it. It is both a discipline and a lifestyle for him. This Psalm compares this man to a tree planted by rivers of water that bears fruit in its season. It has been important for me to note that even this man or tree does not bear fruit 24/7 365. He bears fruit in season!
By contrast the ungodly man is compared to chaff. Where I come from, chaff is simply the small bits of dried up straw left over after the wheat harvest. They are allowed to blow in the wind or fall back to the ground.
This Psalm finishes declaring the righteous are known by God but sinners will not stand in the judgment.
May we put our roots a little deeper in God’s Word this week. Choose a verse and hide it in your heart!
