We are thrilled to spend the next few weeks going through the book of Psalms in our Sunday services. Considering that each chapter is an individual psalm, or song, that was written by a prominent figure in Israel for the purpose of worship, we ought to study them. Regardless if it’s a psalm that praises God for his presence, or if it’s an imprecatory psalm requesting God to move; they all give glory unto the Lord.
Therefore, in this series we encourage you to contemplate the role of worship in your life. Here is a brief recap from the first week of this series:
The opening psalm begins with the introduction to two postures that exist amongst the world: The way of wickedness and of righteousness.
This is not the first time that scripture has introduced two ways of living. Consider the pictures of Cain and Abel, Ishmael and Isaac, Esau and Jacob, Lady Folly and Lady Wisdom, David and Saul, and all of which is culminated between Christ and the Anti-Christ. There is constantly a picture between two people, two lives, two postures… But what is the main factor between these two ways of life? The presence of God’s Word.
For that reason, we ought to dwell on Psalm 1. Often times, believers find themselves satisfied in the works of man, and not the words of God. Therefore, we must rekindle a hunger for God and his Word in order to pursue a righteous posture.
I pray for us to be a church that is satisfied in the Word of God, craving the Word of God, wrestling with the Word of God, and sharing the Word of God. For that reason, we must learn that Righteousness ought to be produced by a scripture-driven hunger for God. See how that is declared in Psalm 1.
“(1) Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers; (2) but his delight is in the law of the LORD, and on his law he meditates day and night. (3) He is like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither. In all that he does, he prospers. (4) The wicked are not so, but are like chaff that the wind drives away. (5) Therefore, the wicked will not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous; (6) for the LORD knows the way of the righteous, but the way of the wicked will perish.”
Psalm 1:1-6 ESV
I believe there are three truths intertwined within the message of Psalm 1. First, we see the call to Dwell amongst the Righteous, not the Wicked. Consider the first verse.
The psalmist is warning the reader to evaluate those with whom they “walk,” “stand,” and “sit” amongst. Nowhere in scripture will you see a message to neglect and ignore the presence of wickedness (see Matthew 28:18-20), but rather the psalmist is arguing for the role of Godly community.
Realistically, those who pour into you are actually the ones shaping you. The individuals whom you seek counsel with, who you find fellowship with, and those you carry the burdens of this world with… they are the ones who will help lead you towards righteousness or wickedness.
Therefore, community is essential. In the next few weeks at Fellowship West, you will see a reinvestment and priority given to Group Life in our church. We not only value your presence in our church, but more than that, we value the spiritual investment that you have entrusted unto us. We hope and pray to create an environment at West where righteous and Godly community is accessible to all. For more information on leading or joining Fellowship Groups, contact Tyler Mitchell at tyler@fellowshipwest.com.
Secondly, the psalmist is expressing the truth that believers ought to Delight in the Lord, not in Man. The fact that the author includes the word ‘delight’ when describing the relationship to the Law of the Lord, reveals the trust and reliance that is needed towards scripture. When one searches for joy, direction, or an escape from the world, they ought to find it all in God’s holy Word.
I find this to be the most often neglected aspect to faithful and righteous living. Constantly throughout the midst of Christianity, individuals will assume that the scripture preached on a Sunday service is enough to feed them for the week. If God gave us his Word and gifted us with a relationship with our Savior, then we ought to seek his presence daily. Therefore, I encourage you to survey your own heart and see if you truly delight in the Lord.
Lastly, the psalmist shows the calling to Build a foundation upon His Word, not upon the world. The author of our text relates the believer’s life to that of a tree rooted in the ground. The tree rooted near streams of water has all the nutrients that it needs, while also yielding its fruit in season. Thus, the believer should find the proper foundation is built upon God’s Word, which ultimately prepares man for the life ahead.
God’s Word is not only authoritative and powerful, but it is sufficient for all things. Therefore, ask yourself if your life proves to truly believe that. Is God’s Word the very thing you delight in? What do you do when your preferences don’t align with scripture? Do you truly trust God’s Word? Or have you manufactured a false picture of trust?
Regardless of where you stand with your devotion to God and His Word; you need it today. Our intake of God’s Word is not like the relationship between a car and gasoline, but rather it is like the relationship between oxygen and our lungs. It is the very thing we ought to know, love, and crave each day. Psalm 1 proves that those who seek righteousness are also seeking time in God’s Word.
Previous Post
Next Post