The Blessed Life

The aim of this devotional study is to reflect on the blessings of a life devoted to God.

Scripture

Psalms 1:1-6

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.

4  The ungodly are not so, But are like the chaff which the wind drives away.

5  Therefore the ungodly shall not stand in the judgment, Nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous. 6  For the LORD knows the way of the righteous, But the way of the ungodly shall perish.

Observations

1. The opening line of the Book of Psalms (v1) starts with “Blessed is the man who does not…” – list the three things; how do these three things relate? (hint: note the progression).
2. What is the secret of a blessed / good and successful life according to the Psalmist? Why would this lead to a good life?
3. The Psalmist writes the blessed life metaphorically as a fruitful tree; can you translate the figurative speech to everyday, real life?
4. Then the Psalmist writes the life of the ungodly figuratively – what type of life does this speak of? Compare this with the life of a righteous.
5. What do you think v5 means?

Reflection and Application

1. If you consider secular entertainment in movies, television, magazines and also advertisements – what does contemporary philosophy describe as the “good life”? Think and write it down.  How does that compare to what the Bible prescribes as God’s blessed life?
2. Have you noticed that as you spend time in secular movies / literature / conversations that you long more and more for what the world promises as “the good life”? Why?
3. Would you say that – based on the truth contained in this Psalm – your life has the promise of success and longevity because of your commitment to God’s Word?  How do you wish to respond?
4. Meditate on this Psalm by reading it out loud a few times and then personalize it in your own prayer to God. (Look at your watch and take 5-10minutes of praying only about the content in this Psalm’s content to God).  What did God reveal to you in this Psalm and in your life?