PSALM 1

“Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked or stand in the way that sinners take or sit in the company of mockers, but whose delight is in the law of the Lord, and who meditates on his law day and night. That person is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither—whatever they do prospers. Not so the wicked! They are like chaff that the wind blows away. Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the assembly of the righteous. For the Lord watches over the way of the righteous, but the way of the wicked leads to destruction.”—Psalm 1 (NIV)

Life is full of choices, and these choices form us. The questions we should be asking are: “What are our choices forming us into? And how do we become the person we want to be?”

This chapter defines two types of people—those who find pride in their own way, and those who become righteous through the Holy Spirit’s discipleship. It’s both a warning and a guide. We can sum up how we’re told to be righteous in just two points: Long for and find pleasure in the instructions and words of God, and meditate and talk about them nonstop.

My favorite line in this chapter describes the person who finds consistent pleasure in God’s Word as “a tree planted by streams of water.” Throughout Scripture, you’ll find parallels between water and the Holy Spirit.

In Isaiah 44:3 (NIV), God says, “For I will pour out water on the thirsty land, and streams on the dry ground; I will pour out my Spirit on your offspring.” Jesus Himself uses the same parallel in John 7:37–38 (NIV), saying, “Let anyone who is thirsty come to me and drink. Whoever believes in me, as Scripture has said, rivers of living water will flow from within them.” The next verse immediately clarifies: “By this he meant the Spirit.” It’s a beautiful representation of how the Spirit satisfies our spiritual longing and thirst.

When we’re like trees planted by streams of water, we’re learning the heart of God. The Holy Spirit metaphorically waters our spiritual roots to grow deeper, faster, and stronger. The branches are growing, and eventually the fruit comes. And what is the fruit of the Spirit? Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22–23)—the picture of righteousness.

So, how do we get to the point of consistent spiritual nourishment and flourishing? By simply delighting in and longing for the words and instructions that God has spoken for us—and doing this over and over and over again.

When we’re constantly thinking about, talking about, and thirsting for the words of God, we become rooted in Him. The very fabric of our being shifts when we allow the Spirit to work in us. And before you know it, we’ll begin to look like our Father.

Pause: What are you “meditating on” or talking about throughout your day?

Practice: Remind yourself that all Scripture is God-breathed and inspired. Let this fact be your motivation to read it with joy and eagerness. As you read, He’ll give you new understanding and a passionate heart for Him.

Pray: Lord, I long to know You more. My heart thirsts for something only Your Spirit can quench. Teach me to love Your Word. Disciple me in the way of righteousness. I’m yours. Amen.

"Psalm 1" Lyrics

Verse:

Planted by the

Streams of water

Our leaf will not wither

And will always prosper

Cause I know you are

Faithful father

You shelter the weary

You season with plenty

Chorus:

Ooh

I delight in you

Ooh

Day and night I do

Verse:

Blessed are the

Ways of the righteous

With beauty and splendor

We look like our father

Step by step in

New creation

I’m learning the new me

I find it at your feet

Ooh

I delight in you

Ooh

Day and night I do