Blessed Is the One
The Psalms were the songbook of the people of Israel in Old Testament times. King David was their most well-known author, but others contributed as well. In total, there are 150 psalms songs of praise, personal prayers, reflections on Israel's history, and prophetic visions especially pointing to the coming of the Messiah.
This remarkable book was given by God to both Jews and non Jews. It offers a deep well of encouragement, reflection, and direction for life.
Why begin the book with Psalm 1?
If you were to choose the first psalm, you might start with a joyful hymn of praise. But the person who compiled the Book of Psalms (long after David's time) made a different choice.
Psalm 1 is simple, yet profound. It sets the tone for the whole collection by comparing two kinds of people:
- the one who lives with God,
- and the one who chooses a different path.
Three steps away from God
Psalm 1 opens with a warning:
"Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked,
or stand in the way that sinners take,
or sit in the company of mockers."
(Psalm 1:1 NIV)
Notice the progression:
- Walk with the wicked just going along.
- Stand with sinners lingering and engaging.
- Sit with mockers settling in, becoming part of it.
It may seem harmless at first, but over time, your thinking and direction change. You drift further from God.
What does the blessed person do instead?
Verses 2 and 3 show us:
"But whose delight is in the law of the Lord,
and who meditates on His law day and night.
That person is like a tree planted by streams of water,
which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither."
(Psalm 1:2-3 NIV)
This person is rooted in God's Word day and night. Their life is stable, fruitful, and full of growth. Like a tree by a river, they thrive in every season.
In contrast, the person without God is described very differently:
"Not so the wicked!
They are like chaff that the wind blows away."
(Psalm 1:4 NIV)
Chaff is weightless, useless, blown away by the wind. It has no lasting value.
The perfect fulfillment of Psalm 1
Psalm 1 is more than advice it's an invitation.
Choose the path that leads to life. Live close to God, rooted in His Word.
But who has ever lived this out perfectly?
Jesus Christ.
He is the true Man of Psalm 1 completely righteous, fully obedient, always pleasing to God.
In Summary
Psalm 1 is no random introduction.
It's a spiritual roadmap.
It asks us a simple question: Which path will you take?
Blessed is the one
who delights in the Word of God
and grows like a tree beside living water.