How happy is the one who does not
walk in the advice of the wicked
or stand in the pathway with sinners
or sit in the company of mockers!
Instead, his delight is in the Lord’s instruction,
and he meditates on it day and night.
He is like a tree planted beside flowing streams
that bears its fruit in its season
and whose leaf does not wither.
Whatever he does prospers.
Psalm 1:1-3 (CSB)
The Blessing of His Prosperity
Prosperity. The word can create some interesting emotional responses in the Christian community. Some followers of Christ embrace wholeheartedly the blessings of prosperity talked about in the Bible. Some go overboard and seek the gifts and blessings more than the heart of the Savior. Still others are so turned off by those that go overboard that they speed in the opposite direction. They don’t ever seek or accept the blessings God has for them as they try to avoid the first mistake.
Where is the balance?
I think Psalm 1 describes it beautifully. In verse three, we see that the person described is truly blessed and prospers in everything he does.
However, I don’t think it is an accident that we don’t start with that knowledge. The first verse sets forth the behavior of a person who is described as “happy”.
How happy is the one who does not
walk in the advice of the wicked
or stand in the pathway with sinners
or sit in the company of mockers! Psalm 1:1 (CSB)
This happy person is one who does not hang out with people who will take them down the path that leads away from God. They don’t follow advice from sinners in an attempt to gain what the sinful have.
Instead…
Instead, his delight is in the Lord’s instruction,
and he meditates on it day and night. Psalm 1:2 (CSB)
This happy person we see described finds delight in the Word of God. He loves to be taught the things of God. He thinks about God throughout each day and when he awakens in the night.
Deeply Rooted
He is like a tree planted beside flowing streams
that bears its fruit in its season
and whose leaf does not wither. Psalm 1:3a (CSB)
Our happy person has put his roots down in the right place. Rather than building a foundation on the shifting sands of popular business theory or personal motivation, he puts down roots in the truth of God’s unchanging character.
Like a healthy tree, he receives the nourishment he needs, watered by the word of God. He bears spiritual fruit regularly and his faith does not wither or crumble during times of adversity.
True Prosperity
Whatever he does prospers. Psalm 1:3b (CSB)
This happy person is prosperous in everything he does. Wow! I want that!
He is financially, physically, relationally successful. Sign me up!
Action Step:
How do we “sign up” for this prosperity? We have to live the life that is described in Psalm 1. Follow God’s truth rather than the advice of sinners. We have to dive into bible study and learning more of God, His plans, and His character.
We live a Christ-centered life, thinking and praying throughout our daily life, rather than confining God to Sunday mornings.
What can you do today to move toward that kind of life? Maybe set a timer on your phone to remind you to pray or read the Bible throughout the day. Maybe search your attitudes to see if you listen more to the advice of sinners than to the truth of God’s word. Let’s do one things today that will help us become the type of people who are happy and truly prosperous.
Prayer:
Dear God, Please help us to become Psalm 1 people, deeply rooted in love for You, bearing fruit in our season, and steady in the face of adversity and faith-challenges. We want all the blessings and prosperity you have for us, but we know that all the success in the world won’t make us happy if we don’t live a life focused on You. In Jesus’ name, amen.
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