Theme: Psalm 1

1 Oh, the joys of those who do not

follow the advice of the wicked,

or stand around with sinners,

or join in with mockers.

2 But they delight in the law of the LORD,

meditating on it day and night.

3 They are like trees planted along the riverbank,

bearing fruit each season.

Their leaves never wither,

and they prosper in all they do.

4 But not the wicked!

They are like worthless chaff, scattered by the wind.

5 They will be condemned at the time of judgment.

Sinners will have no place among the godly.

6 For the LORD watches over the path of the godly,

but the path of the wicked leads to destruction.

(New Living Translation)

Reflecting on this passage took me back to my days in grade school.  I have vivid memories of being teased and bullied but I also have memories of participating in the teasing at someone else’s expense.  Can you picture it?  Kids on the playground mocking one another creating an environment of mischief, hurt and disappointment!  Even as adults, we find ourselves acting the same way!  Adults can be mean, hurtful, spiteful and all out wicked!  At work, maybe we participated in gossip that we should have refrained from or after hour activities with people that we know we shouldn’t be spending our time with.  Every day is full of so many choices!!  Yet, this passage paints a very black and white picture of actions and outcome of people who don’t (or do) follow the word of the Lord!

So often, we try and make Christianity a grey world to live in struggling with living in the world but not of the world.  But really, it’s pretty clear.  God’s inspired word gave us every instruction needed to live according to His will and plan.  If we deviate from that, it’s our fault, not His.  We made a choice to be wayward.  Of course, going to church 3+ times a week and giving your tithe doesn’t mean you are out of the woods!  It’s the small things that get us into trouble!  The gossip, judgment, disdain, contentiousness, arrogance, (can you name others?) are all things that lend to finding ourselves aligned with the wicked.  Believe me, satan has made it so easy to end up there!

Not only did God instruct us what not to do, He described the consequence, both good and bad.  He made it clear!  I want to be the fruit tree by the river and bear as much fruit as possible!  Praise Him for walking with us providing strength for when we need it most!  All we have to do is ask!

Father, thank you for making your will for me so clear.  Help me to recognize the opportunities to serve you and refrain from the ways of the wicked.  Thank you for watching over the paths of the godly!  Amen.

Michelle Tittor

Grapevine, TX