Psalm 1

“But his delight is in the law of the LORD, and in His law he meditates day and night.” (Psalm 1:2, NKJV)

We begin the Psalms today. These are songs of praise, originally set to music. Of course the most famous psalmist is David who is credited with writing seventy-three (although it is possible that he wrote more). They inspire praise, lift up the downcast, strengthen the weary, and reveal the way we should walk. If only we knew their melodies!

Psalm 1 is foundational because it contrasts the way of the righteous with the way of the wicked. The first word is “blessed”, meaning “O how happy!”

“Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor stands in the path of sinners, nor sits in the seat of the scornful.” (Psalm 1:1, NKJV)

In other words, the person who avoids ungodly counsel and sinful ways is happy and spiritually prosperous. Sin brings sadness, but righteousness brings gladness.

When this psalm was written not much Scripture existed. When the psalmist refers to “the law of the LORD” he probably means the five books of Moses. The blessed person finds joy in meditating on God’s law both day and night. The Hebrew word for “meditate” means to mutter to oneself again and again or to muse. This person takes pleasure in pondering the principles and promises of God’s law. Doing this in the morning and evening is the source of fruit-bearing and vitality. It is a portal to eternity!

We have so much more Scripture available to us. Do we truly delight in meditating on it, extracting all that God has for us? It is His love letter to us. Musing on it throughout the day will fill your heart with joy and guide your steps in the way of peace.