Psalm 1
1Blessed is the man That walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, Nor standeth in the way of sinners, Nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. 2But his delight is in the law of the Lord; And in his law doth he meditate day and night. 3And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, That bringeth forth his fruit in his season; His leaf also shall not wither; And whatsoever he doeth shall prosper. 4The ungodly are not so: But are like the chaff which the wind driveth away. 5Therefore the ungodly shall not stand in the judgment, Nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous. 6For the Lord knoweth the way of the righteous: But the way of the ungodly shall perish.
Finding happiness is one of my New Year resolutions.
I really miss my bliss and I want badly to be blessed in 2021.
The word “blessed” means happy, so we see in the first Psalm the description of a happy man. I want to be like that dude, don't you?
This description of the happy man begins by telling us what he avoids.
Contrary to the devil’s advertising campaign the pleasures of sin only last a season and always ends in misery. Just as flowers can't flourish in a bed full of weeds, sin will starve our souls of joy. Look at how the happy man avoids having his joy stolen.
Psalm 1:1 Blessed is the man That walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, Nor standeth in the way of sinners, Nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful.
He doesn’t walk in the counsel of the ungodly.
The person protecting their joy doesn’t seek advice from those that don’t factor God in their decision-making process. Isn’t it strange how often people that call themselves believers seek counsel in corrupt places?
If you go fishing for ideas in a sewer you shouldn't be shocked when you catch a stinker!
He doesn’t stand in the path of sinners.
If you have made weight loss one of your new year resolutions, then I would advise you not to do your daily Bible readings while sitting at a bakery. The sight of the fresh pastries and those heavenly smells would surely persuade you to partake. In a similar fashion, we should not find ourselves stationary in situations that tempt us to sin.
He doesn’t sit in the seat of the scornful.
Sit with the scornful and you will soon find yourself participating. Criticism is far more contagious than Covid. Folks who criticize often cover their mouths when they whisper wicked words but the only effective way to prevent contamination is for others to cover their ears and keep away. It is very hard to remain optimistic in a pessimistic crowd so keep moving.
The description of the happy man then tells us what he adores.
Psalm 1:2 But his delight is in the law of the Lord; And in his law doth he meditate day and night.
He delights in the law of the Lord.
“But Bald believer”, you say, “I just don’t enjoy Bible study, how can I delight in it and be blessed?”
The Stephanas Scheme
One secret to building a love for Bible study is the Stephanas scheme.
1 Corinthians 16:15 I beseech you, brethren, (ye know the house of Stephanas, that it is the firstfruits of Achaia, and that they have addicted themselves to the ministry of the saints,)
Paul spoke of the household of a fella named Stephanas and how they “addicted themselves” to ministry matters. Rather, than follow wrongful desires they forced themselves to create good ones.
How does the Stephanas scheme work?
I believe that the Spirit of God within every true believer has instilled a new nature within them but sometimes to get things started we must prime the pump.
Acquiring a healthy appetite takes time and effort, which is true physically and spiritually. I have known many a person who forced themselves to drink water until eventually, they lost their taste for sugary sodas.
Can this concept not be true in relation to our devotions and prayer?
"Addicting yourself" may require some initial effort and discomfort but will pay big dividends when you discover enduring delight.
Do you want happiness too?
Do you miss your bliss as I do?
Why not make forsaking joy stealing sin and discovering enduring delight in God’s word one of your resolutions?
My New Year Resolution is to be happy, let’s do this together, deal?
Bible Readings for January 1, 2021