Read Psalms 1
Highlights:
David's prayer of confidence in God; prayer for protection, mercy, and deliverance; praise for God's justice.
Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. But his delight is in the Law of the Lord; and in His Law doth he meditate day and night (Ps. 1:1-2).
A blessed person is one who possesses the happiness produced by experiencing God's favor. He is content with God's guidance, regardless of outward circumstances. The blessed person does not simply look at what his life is now, but where God is carrying him. He knows that God is in control of his life and follows the path laid out for him by God. For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow His steps (I Pet. 2:21).
The secret to having a blessed life is to refuse to walk in the counsel of the ungodly. But a mere worldly goodness will not ensure true blessedness. Therefore, the psalmist revealed the God-given secret of true happiness: But his delight is in the Law of the Lord (Ps. 1:2). What a contrast this happiness is to the superficial, empty happiness the world offers! The happiness of the world is often short-lived and temporary. It falls short of the deep true happiness found in God. As we walk with Him, He fills our lives with His joy and happiness. But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings; that, when His glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy (I Pet. 4:13).
As we meditate day and night (Ps.1:2) upon God's Word with the purpose of doing His will, our lives take on new meaning. To meditate means to go over in the mind repeatedly, a process of deliberately focusing on specific Bible passages and reflecting on their meaning in context with the love of God. Meditation helps get the meaning within our spirit where core changes actually take place. Faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God (Rom. 10:17). We find true happiness by knowing the Word of God and letting Him actively direct our lives. Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ (Eph. 1:3).
This Book of the Law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night . . . for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success (Josh. 1:8).
Thought for Today:
Only to the extent that we love God will we enjoy obedience to His Word.
Christ Revealed:
As the Son of God (Ps. 2:7). God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life (John 3:16; Acts 13:33; Heb. 1:5).
Word Studies:
2:2 Anointed (One), Messiah (Hebrew) and Christ (Greek); 5:6 leasing, lies.
Prayer Needs:
Pray for Staff: Ilene Wallace • Government Official: Gov. Neil Abercrombie (HI) • Country: Kazakhstan (15.4 million) central Asia • Major languages: Kazakh and Russian • Religious tolerance • 47% Muslim (largely Sunni); 25% Russian Orthodox; 2% Lutheran; 2% Catholic; 2.3% Other • Prayer Suggestion: Begin each morning with prayer (Ps. 5:3).
Optional Reading: Philippians 3
Memory Verse for the Week: Lamentations 3:22-23