BS1 The Blessed Life 4

The aim of this devotional study is to reflect on the definition and blessedness of those who fear God.

Scripture

Psalms 34:7-16

7  The angel of the LORD encamps around those who fear him, and delivers them.  8  Oh, taste and see that the LORD is good! Blessed is the man who takes refuge in him!

9  Oh, fear the LORD, you his saints, for those who fear him have no lack!  10  The young lions suffer want and hunger; but those who seek the LORD lack no good thing.

11  Come, O children, listen to me; I will teach you the fear of the LORD.  12  What man is there who desires life and loves many days, that he may see good?  13  Keep your tongue from evil and your lips from speaking deceit. 14  Turn away from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it.

15  The eyes of the LORD are toward the righteous and his ears toward their cry. 16  The face of the LORD is against those who do evil, to cut off the memory of them from the earth.

Observations

1. From this Psalm define in your own words what it means in practice to fear of the Lord. (v11-13)
2. List the blessings of those who fear the Lord in your own words (v7-15).

Reflection and Prayer

1. This Psalmist wrote to inspire and instruct the hearer to fear the Lord. Reading this definition (v11-14) would you say that you live with the fear of the Lord?  Why / why not?  Reflect on your tongue, your behavior, and your relationships – and pray where there Lord needs to instill His fear in you.
2. What needs do you have in your life? James says “you have not because you ask not” (4:2).  With thanksgiving, pray boldly through the promises in this Psalm, including:

• Protection,
• Provision,
• Long life,
• Goodness,
• God’s attentive eye and ear.

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?