Psalm 1:1 | Blessing

Psalm 1:1 ESV says, “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;”

I’ve always admired how the entirety of Psalms begins with this simple verse that raises the standard of holiness and blessing. Before we get into praises, confession, desire, and contemplation, we see the standard of following God and living a life of blessing.

It matters not because it just gives us more rules to follow. But because it provides us with a condition for the life of abiding. You can abide all you want, but if you participate in the plans of wicked people, if you participate in sin, if you have a heart of arrogance and offense, it will be for nothing.

These things stand in the way of a life of connection with God.

Sometimes we like to think that if we aren’t experiencing God and growing in him, then it must be something that he is doing. Yet where did we get that idea? Can you think of one instance in the Bible where God missed an opportunity to get closer to his people? Can you think of one story where God tried to bless his people, but his credit card bounced?

Instead, we see countless stories of people who did just what Psalm 1:1 warns us against. These people cannot receive God’s blessing—even though God wants to bring it.

So today, we have a chance on our journey through Psalm 1 to meditate on the power of this calling. Don’t just assume that you don’t do any of these things. Invite the Holy Spirit to show you deeper ways he can transform your life.

The reward will be freedom, intimacy, and hope.

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