September 9

Benedicite!

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. But his delight is in the Law of the LORD, and on His law he meditates day and night. — Ps 1:1-2 BSB

The theme of this first Psalm is the blessedness of keeping “the Law,” which reflects the mind and will of God. David never tired of praising it—“How I love Your law; it is my meditation all the day!”

What we need today is a deep love for the will and commands of God. A willingness to learn and faith to obey are the two qualities that will keep our hearts pure and childlike, allowing us to understand the Bible, nature, and life. It is fitting that the Psalms, which celebrate obedience to God’s law, begin with “Blessed” and end with “Hallelujah!”

The Psalm starts with the negations of a loyal soul. If we refuse to walk in the counsel of the wicked, we will not end up sitting in the seat of the scornful. But these negatives are only valuable as a protection for the positive, like a wall shielding the plant growing behind it. Our spiritual life must be nourished from hidden sources, just as the roots of a tree stretch underground to drink from a stream (Psa 1:3). Such a life becomes fruitful and beautiful. It is also prosperous because it stays within God’s will. It cannot be truly harmed by evil and will fulfill the purpose for which God created it.

Any life that refuses to honor and obey God’s will is like the rootless, fruitless, and lifeless chaff that the wind blows away.

Which does your life resemble? Are you like the deeply rooted tree, providing beauty, fruit, and shelter to many, or is your life being scattered like worthless chaff?

Prayer

Open to me, O Spirit of Truth, the treasures of Your Word, so that my soul may be continually enriched, and that I may abound in every good word and work, to Your honor and glory. Amen.