Psalm 1
-If we want God’s blessing the Psalmist here list three things to consider.
1. Don’t walk in the counsel of the wicked. On the other get advice and direction from the righteous and the Word of God. *Application* Who are we listening to for help in life? God tells us to trust in Him and His ways. His Word is sufficient for all things. Give Him top priority and preeminence; He deserves it.
2. Don’t stand in the path of sinners. Theirs is the wide road that leads to destruction (Matthew 7:13-14). We must step aside of the way of the world, turn and follow God. His way is the way that leads to life eternally. *Application* Switchfoot’s song I Dare You to Move is a picture of what this looks like in our lives. Jon Foreman says, “The tension is here, between who you are and who you could be, between how it is and how it should be.” Getting out of the path of sinners takes courage and repentance, of letting go of sin by turning away from and trusting in the LORD to make things right and keep things right.
3. Don’t sit in the seat of scoffers. Many people will mock God. Do not give ear to this blasphemy and sacrilege. It is the spirit of anti-christ and will lead to distruction. *Application* Get away from influences that destroy the authority of God in your life. Evil company corrupts good morals (1 Corinthians 15:33). Media is especially a threat in our modern age. Turn off worthless things; they should not be before your eyes (Psalm 101:3).
-On the other hand, delight in the law of the LORD. His law is pure and perfect. We should meditate on the things God desires from His creation. When Jesus was asked which law was the greatest, He summed up all the law and the prophets with two items. Love God with all you’ve got and love people as much as you love yourself (Matthew 22:37-49). *Application* Keep these two commandments in mind always and you will not go astray.
-Delighting and meditating on the law of the LORD will firmly plant you by the Source of strength and will keep you filled with what you need for a prosperous and fulfilling life. This is not to say you will never encounter difficulties or have persecution, but you will have the peace of God, which surpasses our understanding (Philippians 4:7).
-The wicked will pass away. They will not endure. They are compared to chaff (dried out stalks of wheat) that are useless for nutrition. They will not stand in the judgment and will not partake in God’s righteous assembly in Heaven. They will perish. *Application* Which category are you in today? Turn and make God your hope and delight.
Psalm 2
-The nations come against the LORD and His anointed (Christ) trying to tear them apart and destroy them. The LORD laughs and scoffs at their inability to achieve this. The picture of a dad laughing at his three year old son who thinks he can beat him up comes to mind. It is ludicrous to conceive and causes laughter.
-God’s laughter however will turn to anger and fury. He will not be usurped and His holy mountain, Zion, is secure. His Son will inherit the nations and His kingdom extends to the very ends of the earth. He will break them with a rod of iron (Revelation 19:15) and shatter them of their power.
-Therefore, the wise will take warning and show discernment to worship the LORD with reverence, rejoicing with trembling, paying the Son homage, and taking refuge in Him.
-*Application* This is no doubt a Messianic psalm with important implications. As you read the Psalms, always keep Christ in mind as to your interpretation of these passages.
Psalm 3
-David is fleeing from his son Absalom in this Psalm. His adversaries have increased because of his sin. David has repented and has come clean, but the effects of his sin still remain. But his heart after God guarantees that the LORD will deliver and be his shield. He cries out to God and gets answers. He lays down and sleeps for the LORD sustains him. He will not be afraid of the enemy, because God is on his side and forgives. Salvation belongs to the LORD and blessing for His people.
-*Application* Fear can grip us if we do not trust in the LORD at all times, especially when enemies seem to be encompassing around us. Cast all your care on God because He cares for you (1 Peter 5:7)
Verses to Memorize: Psalm 1:1-2
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