Scripture:
Psalms 1:1-3 NKJV
[1] 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; [2] But his delight is in the law of the Lord, And in His law he meditates day and night. [3] He shall be like a tree Planted by the rivers of water, That brings forth its fruit in its season, Whose leaf also shall not wither; And whatever he does shall prosper.
Observation:
It’s not totally clear who wrote Psalms chapter 1. Some scholars believe it was Solomon because it sounds a lot like Proverbs. While others give King David the credit. However, whether it was David or his son makes no difference to the powerful content that is in the words written so many years ago. Looking at what is said in this short but important chapter. We can see that the writer is suggesting the easier that to life it to hang around people who are going in a positive direction. Fellowship and who you tie yourself to is not to be taken lightly. In fact, the very first verse of this psalm pronounces a blessing over the man who does not take suggestions or fellowship with the ungodly or sit with people who are bitter and scornful Verse 2 goes even deeper by telling us what to take our delight in. In other words, by focusing and meditating on GOD’S word and considering what it says to guide our path. We will tend to head in the direction HE would have us go. After all that comes this beautiful promise from the LORD. Verse 3 made my heart smile this morning. I have been able to read it in my life many times and love how it just comes to life. It refers to a man who stays close to the godly as a tree that is planted next to the water. It bears fruit in its season and gathers the nutrients it needs year round. The promise that this tree will prosper in whatever it does is what made my heart smile.
Application:
I believe that I have been called to mentor and disciple men. It’s a calling we all receive in Matthew chapter 28. If you have had an encounter with Jesus Christ, your heart will be for others to have the very same kind of personal encounter. In order to carry out my calling, I must know what it looks like to be a godly man. So, who I tie myself to and who I find myself receiving counseling from is very important. To be completely honest, that circle seems to be very, very small. Over the years and through a life of addiction, I have been conditioned not to trust a lot of people, and in the world today, it’s easy to be misled. So I have found a small group of men that I believe do their absolute best to live out what the word of GOD says, and I try to do the same. Listen, I have made a lot of bad choices in life, and just like Jabez, I don’t want to cause anyone anymore pain. So, planting myself next to men who will give me WISE BIBLICAL COUNCIL is my best defense against the ungodly behavior that at one point to control my life. It’s the only way that can truly step into the calling that GOD has placed on me. That calling is for me to be the godly man that men who are coming out of addiction can seek out for council. Creating a long line of godly men for others to reach out to and plant themselves next to. This much I know when you surround yourself with people who are heading in the right direction, it’s a lot harder to get off course. We draw our nutrients from each other. I was involved in a men’s group a short time ago, and the leader was talking about the California red wood trees. How they have grown so tall and strong. You would think that their root system would run deep into the ground. But the reality is that it’s very shallow. However, although their roots are shallow, they are all tied together. So they gather strength and stamina from each other. When the wind blows, it does not blow against the root system of one tree it blows against the entire forest. That’s what it means to tie yourself to godly people. Just like iron sharpens iron. The godly keep each other strong, and when the wind blows , the storm rages the godly people. I’m your life will not fail you they will help hold you up and guard you against the unrighteous path that can be so easily returned to if you are not surrounded by the right kind of people.
Prayer:
Father, you are who we look to for directions. You have all the answers to life. We know that left to our own way, we make bed choices and run after things that lead to death. That is not the life we want anymore. This morning, we have taken the time to read and understand your word to the best of our abilities, and we ask that you will place around us godly people. Those whom we can trust for council. People who would not say anything that does not come from you and your word. People who would sharpen us so that the edge of our sword is ready for the battle that you have already won. Our hearts’ desire is to be counted among the godly. To have our feet firmly planted on your path. Protect that path and guide our steps with your word in the mighty name of Jesus. I pray, amen.