Psalm 1 (NRSV)
Read Psalm 1 on biblegateway.com
Verse 1Happy are those who do not follow the advice of the wicked, or take the path that sinners tread, or sit in the seat of scoffers;
Verse 2but their delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law they meditate day and night.
Verse 3They are like trees planted by streams of water, which yield their fruit in its season, and their leaves do not wither. In all that they do, they prosper.
Verse 4The wicked are not so, but are like chaff that the wind drives away.
Verse 5Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous;
Verse 6for the Lord watches over the way of the righteous, but the way of the wicked will perish.
Devotion
We live on a very small lake that is ringed with lovely trees. These trees stand majestically with their lovely boughs swaying in the breeze. Our psalm for today begins, “Happy are those who do not follow the advice of the wicked or take the path that sinners tread.” Who would intentionally follow the advice of the wicked? I think it would be rare for one to do so. And yet in life we can make choices which may not seem inherently wrong, but still lead to suffering and pain. Consider what is needed for a tree to grow strong: good earth for its roots, sufficient water to flourish, and in some cases a treatment to keep disease away. Think as well about what it takes for us as Christians to grow into healthy trees: keeping rooted in Scripture and being watered by worship and Christian fellowship.
Prayer
Gardener God, may our roots go deep into your strong love for us. We pray that we will bear good fruit for the kingdom of God. Amen.