Psalm 1
1Happy are those
who do not follow the advice of the wicked,
or take the path that sinners tread,
or sit in the seat of scoffers;
2but their delight is in the law of the LORD,
and on his law they meditate day and night.
3They are like trees
planted by streams of water,
which yield their fruit in its season,
and their leaves do not wither.
In all that they do, they prosper.
4The wicked are not so,
but are like chaff that the wind drives away.
5Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgment,
nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous;
6for the LORD watches over the way of the righteous,
but the way of the wicked will perish.
“… 2but their delight is in the law of the LORD, and on his law they meditate day and night. …”
This psalm begins with the line: “Happy are those…” While the psalmist begins by decrying those who do not follow God’s way, happiness ensues for those whose delight rests in meditating on and observing the law of the Lord. According to the author, great joy comes to those who seek to follow God’s ways.
While some may question the psalmist optimism – after all, bad things do happen even to the most faithful – no one doubts that the following the ways of the Lord leads to blessings, peace, and hope. Seeking to walk according to God’s commands sometimes may seem tedious and archaic, but the history of the saints speaks to greater fullness of life for those who do. It’s not that it’s always easy. However, those same folks speak to fulfillment and joy.
Thinking upon, reflection, meditation, and observance of the law will not earn you a place in heaven. We are saved by God’s grace through faith. However, those same traits will lead us into a closer walk with the Lord and a more fulfilling journey with others. To find happiness, the psalmist would argue, is to delight in the law of the Lord and meditate on it day and night.
Prayer: Thank you, Lord, that through Your law You lead us toward fulfillment, blessings, and delight. Keep me focused this day on Your gracious gift. Amen.