Highlights:
A songbook of praise to God. Hearts soar, voices lift in prayer, the anguish of sin, the joy of salvation! Two ways to live: righteously or ungodly (chap. 1). Whose Son is King (chap. 2)? The Lord our shield (Ps. 3:3); our peace (4:8); our defender (5:11). The Lord hears and answers our prayers (6:8-10). The Lord our victory (chap. 9).
The key to receiving a blessing from God begins with three negative statements. The first is: Blessed (Divinely favored, Fortunate) is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly (Ps. 1:1). The ungodly may live acceptable lifestyles that conform to the basic moral standards of society, but live and act as though the Creator God does not exist. Therefore, they assume that any religion, or none at all, is equally acceptable. In doing this, they feel no accountability to God and see no need of a Savior.
The second negative statement is: Nor standeth in the way of sinners (1:1). Sinners speak, act, think, and live to please themselves. They may be honest, upright, and generous in the eyes of the majority of people. They may even believe there is a God and may live a good, moral life. Consequently, they are deceived and see no need to repent of sin because they do not think they are sinners. The Christian life is centered in God, but the sinner's life is centered on himself.
The third negative statement is: Nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. The scornful (1:1) makes known his belittling, antagonistic attitude against God the Father as Creator of all things and against worshiping Jesus Christ as God the Son — the great God and our Savior Jesus Christ (Titus 2:13). The scornful, for the most part, stand firmly and openly against the Bible and Jesus Christ as the only way to be saved and reach heaven.
The blessed person has an attitude of delight . . . in the Law of the LORD; and in His Law doth he meditate day and night (Ps. 1:2). If we delight in pleasing Jesus Christ, we will "meditate" upon His Word. As we meditate prayerfully in His Law, the Holy Spirit speaks to our hearts, revealing the meaning of His Word for our lives. Such people have a desire to be led by the Spirit of Truth (John 16:13).
One of the great blessings that is imparted to those who meditate upon God's Word comes silently and unnoticed, like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever (whatever) he doeth shall prosper (Ps. 1:3).
Thought for Today:
Keep thy heart with all diligence (guard your heart more than any treasure); for out of it are the issues (source) of life (Prov. 4:23).
Christ Revealed:
As the Son of God (Ps. 2:7). God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life (John 3:16; Acts 13:33; Heb. 1:5).
Word Studies:
2:2 Anointed (one) =Messiah (Hebrew) and Christ (Greek); 5:6 leasing =lies.
Prayer Needs:
Pray for Government Official: Rep. Neil Abercrombie (HI) • Country: Oman (2 million) on the southeastern coast of Arabia • Major languages: Arabic and English • Fewer restrictions on Christian activity than most of its neighbors • 97% Muslim; .5% Christian • Prayer Suggestion: Remember that nothing is too hard for the Lord (Gen. 18:14).
Optional Reading: Philippians 3
Memory Verse for the Week: 2 Corinthians 3:18