Psalm 1: Worship Guide/ 19-BSG-1A, (Psalm 1:1-6)/ Subject: Blessed is the Man/ Hymn: My Jesus, I love Thee!  [Author: William R. Featherston (1862)]

Exploration: The Bible presents the two ways—a way of blessing and judgment—which have affected people in all generations (Gen 2:15-17; 3:14, 17, 19; 4:10-12; 6:1-2, 3; Deut. 30:15, 19; cf. Isa 1:18, 19-20; Mt. 7:13–14).

In Psalm 1, we are confronted with two choices, two men, two roads, and two destinies. In this opening Psalm, God gives us a road map to guide us to a place of blessedness, safety, and fruitfulness (abundant blessings). Here, we have the happiness of the godly and the judgment of the ungodly. Each choice made in this chapter has a consequence. We are admonished to choose wisely: choose the right road to experience God’s favor.

Devotional Implication: “He shall be like a tree” (Ps. 1:3). Man is usually likened to changing grass, fading flowers, and chaff (Ps. 1:4: 90:5). But here, man is compared to a tree. Trees are a beautiful thing—“Like a tree.” Few natural objects are as pleasing, beautiful, and prosperous as trees. Think of the American Elm tree, for example. The brilliant yellow foliage attracts more photo-taking, nature walks, etc. Secondly, a tree is a fixed thing. It has roots deep—“planted by rivers.” Trees do not plant themselves. In the creation week of Genesis, on day three, trees were planted (Gen 1:11-13). God commanded, and they came forth. So, it is God who did the planting! Beloved, we did not evolve. Jehovah has planted us for His glory (Isa 43:1, 7), hence, “trees of the Lord.” Thirdly, a tree is a growing thing. We are like trees “planted along the riverbank”—we get our nutrients from Jesus, the Fount of Living Waters! And we are best positioned there for growth and fruitfulness (Jn. 15:1-5). Lastly, a tree is a living thing. “Their leaves never wither, and they prosper in all they do!” Trees are not affected by the change in weather—autumn, winter, spring, or summer. They keep on developing. Similarly, when we allow God to work in our lives, He imparts life: abundant, everlasting life (Jn. 3:16; 10:10)

The Gospel’s Voice: My son, I have always desired that you be fruitful in all you do (Gen 1:28). You can be blessed [now] with “all spiritual blessings” in Christ (Eph. 1:3). But sin gets in the way of those blessings I have in store for you (Isa. 59:1-2). I invite you to walk in My Counsel, delight in My Word, and obey My Commandments. Consecrate yourself and watch Me work in your life. Would you?

My Desire: By God’s grace, I want to—

1. Walk in the LORD’s way, delight, and meditate in His Word.
2. Separate myself from sin, wickedness, and evil associations (v. 1).
3. Be devoted to God’s Word and obey Him (v. 2–3).
4. Help others understand wickedness’s fate (v. 4–5).
5. Trust the LORD and be righteous (v. 6).

Today’s Promise: “Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor stands in the path of sinners, nor sits in the seat of the scornful; But his delight is in the law of the Lord, And in His law, he meditates day and night. He shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that brings forth its fruit in its season, whose leaf also shall not wither; And whatever he does shall prosper.” (Psalm 1:1–3, NKJV)

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