January 2, 2008
"How blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked, nor stand in the path of sinners, nor sit in the seat of the scoffers! But his delight is in the law of the Lord, and in His law he meditates day and night. And he will be like a tree firmly planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither; and in whatever he does he prospers." Psalms 1:1-3
What the psalmist tells us about the daily habits of this man is more informative than the information we are given about what he avoids doing. The man blessed of God meditates on, and delights in, the law of the Lord.
What does it mean to meditate on the law of the Lord? The word literally means to dwell upon, to consider constantly. It carries with it the implication of muttering, one explanation was that it was like the low growling sound that a lion would make guarding its prey.
Put these two ideas together, to dwell upon or consider constantly, added to the concept of a low muttering sound or a low growl, and I think you develop a good understanding of the idea of meditation. Picture the man God blesses constantly speaking to himself under his breath, continuously reminding himself of the law of the Lord and keeping it consistently before him as he faces everyday life. Look at how this idea is described in Joshua 1:8 where the same Hebrew word for meditate is used:
“This book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous and then you will have great success.”
But, also note that the man God blesses does not find the law burdensome…but he delights in the law. This man has learned that God’s ways are best. He knows that to follow the law ensures the best possible outcome. This idea is not limited to the Old Testament. John writes it this way in the New Testament, “…His commandments are not burdensome.” (I John 5:3b)
If we understand and apply the principles espoused in Psalms 1:1-2, can 2008 be our best year yet? Look at the picture painted for us here of the blessings awaiting each of us who walk in this wisdom. We will be firmly planted and will enjoy streams of refreshing water. Our lives will be fruitful and we will not wither in the midst of life’s trying circumstances. God will oversee our abundance. What promises!
