Psalm 1—GOD’S Path To Happiness (Part 1)
A study of the Psalms is a wonderful, fulfilling endeavor. So many verities are revealed in this collection of writings. Numerous are the emotions detailed by these children of God as they pour out their hearts upon the pages of Holy Writ. It seems a daunting task to explore these one hundred and fifty writings which comprise the book we call Psalms. It seems even more difficult because of the number of different ideas that are explored within this book. Perhaps we find it to be an arduous undertaking because we attempt to study the Psalms in the same manner as we do other books of the Bible. With other books, we attempt to find the pervasive theme of the entire contents, and then study each passage in light of that theme. Each of the psalms, however, must be studied individually, in light of the circumstance of their writings, their authors, etc., while at the same time they should be studied as a collective whole. The first psalm provides us with a number of themes that are prevalent throughout the entirety of the Psalms, thereby giving us a good foundation upon which to build our study of the other psalms. Let us explore these themes as they help us lay the groundwork for further study in the Psalms.
SIN IS PROGRESSIVE
The first verse of Psalm 1 makes clear that sin follows a dangerous progression. Few have ever decided to jump into sin headlong. Most are gradually drawn into its evil clutches, slowly giving in to the progression of sin. Sin entices the potential suitor initially to get within earshot (walking in the counsel of the ungodly). If Satan can get one to stop and listen to the call of sin long enough, his chances for success increase dramatically. Many are foolish enough to think they can get as close to sin as possible without falling prey. Those who would be truly happy will stay as far away from sin as possible. Should one give ear to the beckoning of sin (listening to ungodly advice, listening to filthy jokes, ungodly music, etc.), he will soon find himself “standing in the way of sinners.” He is now in the company of sinners, standing in their midst. Sin has enticed yet another to join its band of ungodly brothers. Should one then refuse to part ways with this company, he will soon find himself “sitting in the seat of the scornful.” He has heeded the call of sin for so long that he is now the ringleader of this ungodly host. He is seated in the captain’s chair, and is now enticing others to join in the sin parade. How many would fully expect or desire to find themselves in this position as they started down the path of sin? Sin is deceitful! All who desire true happiness will seek to avoid sin’s progression by refusing its initial advancements.
THE SCRIPTURES ARE PRICELESS
The blessed (or happy) man is one who delights in the law of the Lord (vs.2). The only way to avoid the onslaughts of Satan and the allurements of sin is to fill our hearts and minds with the precious word of God. Our world increasingly devalues the Sacred Page, and the shattered lives and sin-scarred world is proof of how little society values it. The child of God must treasure God’s revealed will above all else. The wise Solomon wrote, “Buy the truth and sell it not; also wisdom, instruction, and understanding” (Proverbs 23:23). Many of the psalms beautifully portray the preciousness of God’s Holy Word. None does so more completely than does the 119th Psalm. The longest of all of the psalms is devoted entirely (176 verses) to this thought. The Bible is the Christian’s sure defense, the whole armor of God (Ephesians 6:10-18). A heart full of Scripture is man’s only fortification against temptation (Psalm 119:11; see also Matthew 4:1-11). Those who would be truly happy in this life will be those who meditate on God’s word day and night. This can only be accomplished when one consistently, carefully, and prayerfully studies the Scriptures. Let each who truly values the word of God cry out as did the psalmist, “O how love I thy law! It is my meditation all the day” (Psalm 119:97)!
-Patrick Morrison
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