Psalms that have impacted my life

Psalm 1 Part 2

In the previous blog, we looked at that although God wants to bless us it is not without certain conditions. He is very clear that certain behaviour stops Him from blessing us. Now we look at the attitude that pleases God and God blesses people with that attitude. Verse 2 says: “But he delights in the law of the Lord, and in His law, he meditates day and night”. To put this into practice it is a choice that we make and do not allow other things to sidetrack us from meditating on God’s word. It is important to note that this verse does not talk about reading but meditating on God’s word. To meditate is to continually ponder or chew over and over again. This is not a one-off experience but a continual lifestyle experience.  This is so relevant today because we have so much pressure on us and the way that we live. This is where discipline is so important, for when we choose what is most important to us then we have the resolve to make it happen. For me, this is a constant battle, but what I have experienced is the more I persist, the more fulfilling it becomes. I have learned that when I stop doing what I am involved in, I automatically start reflecting on and praising the Lord. Joshua was instructed in Joshua 1:8 that if he was to be successful then he had to meditate on God’s word day and night. It is easy for us at times not to believe the importance of meditating and then cannot understand why our relationship with the Lord suffers. There is no substitute for meditating on God’s word, and when we do the bible is very clear of God’s reward for meditating. Verse 3 says: “He shall be like a tree planted by rivers of water, that brings forth its fruit in its season, whose leaf shall not wither; and whatever he does shall prosper”. I am so encouraged by the certainty of this verse, it is not a suggestion of what is possible but a statement of fact. It is good to be reminded that God does not lie, but is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him (Hebrews 11:6). In biblical times trees were very important to everyone and the secret of growing good trees was the availability of a reliable water source.  The bible is very clear and states that the tree is planted not by one source of water but many, the word used is “rivers” and that is the same word that Jesus used to describe being full of the Holy Spirit. The purpose of trees was twofold, firstly, it was to provide fruit in its season and next to provide shade. As I look back over my life I have experienced many seasons and now I am living in a new season which has been very fruitful. The important thing has been to recognise that in each season there should be fruit produced. Also, the tree produced continuous shade – its leaf does not wither, this declares how our relationship with the Lord when it is continuous people come and be encouraged by you. The final reward is outstanding “And whatsoever he does shall prosper”. When we are close to the Lord we are continually blessed, and as I look back over my life I can gladly say that I have been truly blessed.