Have you ever been on a roadtrip and suddenly realized that google maps is telling you to turn off onto another road but you’re not sure which one? You have that moment of panic where you have to make a decision.
That’s what our spiritual life can feel like. We’re heading down a path and we’re not sure where it’s leading. The writer of Psalm 1 paints a picture of two paths- one toward God that leads to a satisfying life and one away from God that leads to death.
Psalm 1:1 Oh, the joys of those who do not follow the advice of the wicked, or stand around with sinners, or join in with mockers.
Psalm 1:4-5 But not the wicked! They are like worthless chaff, scattered by the wind. They will be condemned at the time of judgment. Sinners will have no place among the godly.
The first option- sin captures your attention and cultural values influence your priorities.
The psalmist describes how sin works its way into our lives. First, we walk toward sin dipping our toe in to see what happens. We follow the advice of our TV shows and social media influencers that point us away from what honors God and toward what satisfies our appetites. Then, we end up standing up for those worldly things and mock anyone who tells us that what we’re doing is wrong. Before long, we’re so far down the road of sin that we don’t even realize how far we’ve gone from God’s protection.
The second option- you pledge your allegiance to God’s way leading to a life of obedience to biblical principles.
Psalm 1:2 But they delight in the law of the Lord, meditating on it day and night.
Psalm 1:3 They are like trees planted along the riverbank, bearing fruit each season. Their leaves never wither, and they prosper in all they do.
To delight means to have joy and satisfaction. We can delight in God’s word and the promises it offers. Why? Because the more we read the Bible, the more we understand the heart of God and it’s a seed planted in our hearts that bears good fruit.
Think of it like how you are with your best friend. Your friendship grew because you spent a lot of time together learning to trust each other’s character and learned what makes each of you tick. There is a closeness and familiarity that creates safety. You probably end up liking the same things and even finishing each other’s sentences!
That’s how it works with God. The more we spend time with Him, the more we trust and understand Him. The more we’re with Him, the more we want to act like Him! Our values and choices begin to reflect His heart.
Preaching the Word Commentary says, “The goldy woman produces thanksgiving in seasons of plenty, faith in season of doubt, patience in suffering, peace in turmoil, mercy when wronged, gentleness when falsely accused, strength in temptation, humility in leadership and prayer in all seasons”
Psalm 1:6 For the Lord watches over the path of the godly, but the path of the wicked leads to destruction.
Which path will you choose? The one that leads to destruction or the one where God is watching over and protecting?
