Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked or stand in the way of sinners or sit in the seat of mockers. But his delight is in the law of the LORD, and on his law he meditates day and night. He is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither.
Whatever he does prospers. Psalm 1:1-3
Sleeping through the night. Getting 8 hours of sleep. Neither one is a regular occurrence for me. Between menopausal hormones, a snoring husband and years of late night habits (when my younger body could handle being a night owl) a solid quality night’s rest is often an out of reach dream.
But sleep is not the only kind of rest that our body needs.
Psalm 1: 3 talks about someone who is like a tree planted by streams of water which yields fruit in season and whose leave does not whither. Sounds nice. Sounds like someone who is resting and refreshed in their living. So how does one find this way of living?
Verse 1 & 2 shows the way.
1. They don’t walk in the counsel of the wicked. In other words, they don’t take advice from folks who don’t walk with God. This does NOT mean they never converse with those who live in complete opposition to the truth. But the counsel of those not walking with God does not lead us down a path full of life and light and rest.
2. They don’t stand in the way of the sinners. In other words, they don’t make it a habit to be part of the “sinning” lifestyle. This does NOT mean, they never sin. It does NOT mean they aren’t friends with sinners or keep themselves so separate they can’t influence them. Jesus himself hung out with the less desirable characters of His day. To speak life to them, to show them He was the bread of life. Not to become like them!
3. They don’t sit in the seat of mockers. In other words, they don’t get comfortable with those who mock God – with their words or their life. This does NOT mean they shush everyone who speaks a mocking word. Or turn their backs on them. Or disown them. But, rather than letting mockers pull them down, they call mockers to a better way by their example of living.
4. They delight in God’s way. In other words, seeing Him in every part of life and giving thanks and glory to Him. Its celebrating the good He is doing. It’s also preferring His way over the world’s way. This does NOT mean we will never be sad or struggle with what He is doing in our life.
5. They meditate on his law day and night. In other words, they habitually ponder and think on His word and His ways. Through reading, study and memorization they carry His word in their hearts. This does NOT mean they have to become a monk or a nun.
God’s ways lead to life, fruitful living and true soul rest.
Considering my life right now, in this moment, I need to work on delighting in God’s way. Not the wanting and choosing to follow God kind of delighting, but the finding JOY in the following. In the day to day living and walking it out. Finding refreshment and strength in His JOY kind of delighting!
Do you need to work on on of these areas to find refreshment like a tree planted by streams of water?
Photo credit: www.freedigitalphotos.net // Evgeni Dinev
