Scripture Text:
1. Blessed is the man who does not walk in the
counsel of the wicked or stand in the way of sinners or site in the seat
of mockers.
2. But his delight is in the law of the Lord, and
on his law he mediates day and night.
3. He is like a tree planted by streams of water,
which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither. Whatever
he does prospers.
Thought:
In this world where everyone is trying to get ahead, where ordinary folks
are taking on day-trading to try and beat the market, where success seems to
be measured by the size of your house and the number of airbags in your car,
the writer of this Psalm gives us a simple answer. The man who is
truly happy (or blessed) is not the one who listens to the wicked, or hangs
out with sinners, or does the same things that they do. The truly
happy man is the one who delights in the Lord's law and teaching. And
he who loves it, will meditate on it day and night.
As we begin each new year, many of us will be making resolutions in
regards to being successful at something. Maybe it is to get that
promotion, or to take that vacation, or stop smoking. Whatever it is,
the Psalmist gives the answer to it working. Instead of resolving to
do all these other things, resolve to be a better student of the word.
Resolve to meditate on his word. Make a plan and carry it out.
Read, study and learn from his wonderful law. Plant it in your
heart. Carry it with you every day.
What will happen if you do this? The author says it plain and
simple. For the one who does these things, "Whatever he does
prospers".
