Psalm 1
Notice verse 1 – It does not say
“whatsoever he does may prosper…it
doesn’t say could prosper… it doesn’t
say should prosper … it says whatever
he does… prospers! He is not just speaking of material or monetary things. For
instance, one can have a successful and prosperous family relationship…
There are simply five pre-requisites listed
for prosperity and success, five things that if carefully followed, will bring
prosperity and success. First – “Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked” The key word in this sentence is “counsel.” Another word for “counsel” would be advice. The “wicked” represents anyone without the knowledge of God’s Word. Because without it they are only giving their “best guess” or their opinion. Some may give advice from “experience” which may or may not be bad advice.
In the U.S.A. our President has what is called his “Cabinet” who are they? Basically, they are his advisers. Do you think it would be wise for the President who desires to be prosperous and successful to make sure he has the right cabinet? What about a Christian? Who would you put on a list of a Christian’s cabinet? (Godly parents; pastor; good Christian friend; Christian lawyer; and more.)
Second – it says “Nor should he stand in the way of sinners”. This is a reference to standing with the right crowd; Having the right friends; Being “equally yoked.” This is a vital ingredient; especially as it concerns partnerships; marriage; the right influence, etc.
Third – “Nor sit in the seat of mockers”… another translation uses the word “scornful”… When you think of those who are mockers or who are scornful, you must think of those who are critical, condemning, judgmental, and slanderous gossipers. This kind of attitude or nature will rob a person of prosperity and success.
Fourth – “His delight is in the law of the Lord”. The word “law” here is a synonym for the entire Bible… The whole Word of God. A key word here in this part is the word “delight”. It is more than just reading the Bible; it’s more than even believing the Bible; or even memorizing the Bible; he must “delight” in, be refreshed by, rejoice in and love to read and understand the Bible! … The man who desires to be prosperous and successful spends time in God’s Word because he wants to…because it is God’s love letter…a guide to life…that is to be enjoyed. (See 2nd. Peter 1:3)
Finish these verses; “Thy Word is a
_____ unto my feet”… “Your words are to be desired more than ______...
They are sweeter than _______”
Fifth – “On this law he meditates day and night”…Look at Joshua 1:8 – “Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful.”
Isaiah 26:3 – “You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you.
Psalm 119: 1-16 - Blessed are those whose ways are blameless, who walk according to the law of the Lord. Blessed are those who keep his statutes and seek him with all their heart—they do no wrong but follow his ways. You have laid down precepts that are to be fully obeyed. Oh, that my ways were steadfast in obeying your decrees! Then I would not be put to shame when I consider all your commands. I will praise you with an upright heart as I learn your righteous laws. I will obey your decrees; do not utterly forsake me. How can a young person stay on the path of purity? By living according to your word. I seek you with all my heart; do not let me stray from your commands. I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you. Praise be to you, Lord; teach me your decrees. With my lips I recount all the laws that come from your mouth. I rejoice in following your statutes as one rejoices in great riches. I meditate on your precepts and consider your ways. I delight in your decrees; I will not neglect your word. “
We can meditate on many facets of God’s
Word; we can meditate on God himself; on what God has done in the past; on what
God will do in the future; on the promises of God, or we may meditate on
certain words; or scriptures; or topics like “relationships or the “one
anothers” found in the Word. We have plenty of things to meditate on…
The person who includes these five
ingredients in their life has several promises in this Psalm; 1. He will be “like a tree planted by the streams of water”… ( healthy, stable, always flowing with life giving water…)
2. He will be fruitful”…What does it mean to be fruitful? Fruitful in what?... ( everything! )
3. He will be “perennial”…“whose leaf does not wither”…prosperous and successful in any season.
4. “Whatever he does prospers.”
I would say that is good advise!
2 Peter 1:3 – “His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness.”
No comments:
Post a Comment