January 4

Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked, or set foot on the path of sinners, or sit in the seat of mockers. — Ps 1:1 BSB

Three things stand out about this man:

1. His companions: He doesn’t walk in the advice of the ungodly, stand in the path of sinners, or sit with the scornful.
2. His reading and meditation: He delights in the law of the Lord and meditates on it day and night.
3. His fruitfulness: He is like a tree planted by streams of water, producing fruit in season, whose leaves do not wither, and everything he does prospers.

The river is the Holy Spirit; the planting is a deep, ongoing connection with Him, and the fruit is constant, fitting each season.

His life prospers, and his spirit remains fresh, like leaves that never fade. A life like this must be happy, for happiness is a result of spiritual conditions. Put a sunbeam in a cellar, and it will still be bright. Put a nightingale in the darkest night, and it will still sing.