The Gift of God’s Word

“Psalm 1 – Growing Like a Tree The first Psalm from the total group of 150 Psalms is like a gateway into the treasure-house of communion with God. Verse 1 states that “Blessed is the man” who enters into this path of righteousness, eager to walk in delight with the LORD. Read verses 1-3. To be “blessed”, an expression which shows up many times throughout the Book of Psalms, is to reserve happiness in our hearts from God’s forgiving mercy. Read Psalm 32:1. The happiness grows out of being totally committed to God. Read Psalm 84:12. We are also blessed during times of conflict and stress. Read Psalm 94:12-15. And what does it mean to meditate day and night on God’s law? Read Genesis 1:26-31 and Genesis 2:15-17. From the early beginning, both Adam and Eve gave in to the temptation from Satan, the serpent, and thus gave in to sin. Read Genesis 3:1-7. But even though their sin made God very angry, He gave them the promise of salvation. Read Genesis 3:14-15. Then read Romans 5:12-21. The promise of salvation through God’s Son Jesus is what allows us to feel blessed! And the more time we spend meditating on God’s Word, the more we will grow in our faith. Verse 3 of Psalm 1 compares us, as we grow in our faith, to a growing tree that also produces fruit. Read that verse. This is mentioned again in Jeremiah 17:7 and also in Psalm 82:12-14. Read each of those verses, also. Aren’t these words encouraging to us as we grow in our faith? Now read verses 4-6 of Psalm 1. People who ignore God’s Word are “the wicked”. Eventually to be driven away by God for eternity, having forfeited God’s blessings of forgiveness and salvation. But the people who have dedicated their faith and trust to the LORD will be saved. What a beautiful note of assurance for all who believe! Dear LORD, as I look around me and view Your amazing creation, help me to grow in my love and service to You, just as a tree does when it grows and produces fruit. In Jesus’ Name, Amen. “