A-GEMS FROM PSALMS-1

A – GEMS FROM PSALMS – 1

A majority of the psalms were written by David, a man after God’s heart.  Acts 13:22   Although he committed sin, he sincerely repented and mourned over his sin.  He tried to do what God wanted him to do.  David was not afraid to pour his heart out to God in times of trouble, times of repentance, and also times of joy and thankfulness.  We want to look at some of these great Scriptures in the book of Psalms that will help us as we want to pour our hearts out to God and learn of Him.

Psalm 1 is a great contrast of good and evil. Ps.1:1  Blessed begins this chapter.  Sometime this word is used with regard to some favor that has been given.  This Hebrew word is used to indicate “Oh, the happiness that man experiences”.  Then follows what is not experienced by a man that does not follow God.

Who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked (or ungodly as some versions say).  Our lives are guided by some one or some goal.  Who do we follow?  A little boy wants to walk in the shoes of his father.  We grow up but we still attempt to be like someone we admire.  Too often it is someone popular in the media.  Then we find they are living a life of complete unhappiness and maybe eventually take their life.  Prov.4:14,15   What a contrast of light and darkness when we follow our Lord.  Jhn.8:12

When we are constantly with ungodly people, the tendency put into our heart by Satan, is to do as they do.  This is why Jesus prayed for us in Jhn.17:15-17   When we are walking alongside one who does not have God is his life, then his example and advice will be a downfall for us.

Stand in the way of sinners  It is dangerous enough to walk with ungodly, but when we stop and stand in their way, we become closer to absorbing their ways.  We are not to stand in their way but stand firm in God’s way.  Standing takes determination.  Sinners are not just those that have nothing to do with God.  Sinner is a term used for those that commit specific sins of any kind in the sight of God.  They have no regard for changing.  They are set in their way of sin and we are willing to stand with them?  No!  We put on the armor of the Christian and stand firmly.  Eph.6:11  

Sit in the seat of scoffers   A scoffer mocks God and anything associated with Him.  This would include an atheist and anyone who scorns immortality and God’s law.  When we sit with such, the danger is that our minds and hearts can be turned completely away from God.  This is Satan’s plan and desire.  Eph.6:12,13

Sin is progressive.  If we get our advice from the ungodly.  Then we stand in the way of those that think nothing of committing sin and continue to do so.  At last we are hardened into sitting with those that even deny God.  Jam.1:14,15

True happiness is not fulfilled in disregard of God and His will.   The man of God finds his pleasure, his affection, his goals, and every desire of his heart in law of the Lord.  Ps.1:2   The joy of the Lord is in the Truth.  Neh.8:10   Jesus is the Truth.  Jhn.14:6   Through the inspiration of the Holy Spirit (2 Tim.3:16) the gospel is Truth.  Col.1:5; Heb.1:1,2   As we meditate on His Word, we apply it to our lives and our hearts are made full of love and desire to follow Jesus.  We can talk to Him day and night.  Lk.11:28

Ps.1:3   A tree that has had the proper care will bring forth good fruit.  Jer.17:7,8; Matt.7:17-19   The man of God wants to be filled with the proper spiritual food from the Word of God.  Paul speaks to the Colossians about bearing good fruit.  Col.1:10  We need to grow in knowledge and bear fruit in every good work to live a life worthy of the Lord.  This will take proper care as the good tree had.

Ps.1:4   There is nothing substantial in the ungodly.  They are like dust that blows away into nothingness.  John the Baptist speaks of separating the chaff from the good grain. Matt.3:12   Another similar description is given in Hos.13:3. 

Ps.1:5   Therefore because of their worthlessness, they will not be able to stand up to the revealing of wickedness when judged.  Rom.14:11,12; Mal.3:2    Even though they will eventually confess Jesus, it will be too late.  Phil.2:10,11   They will try to hide and even wish rocks would fall on them but to no avail.  Rev.6:16

Ps.1:6   Here is the last contrast statement of the psalm—the righteous verses the wicked.  A temporary success and a shallow happiness may occur during the lifetime of the wicked; however, the comparison of the two is obvious.  Prov.14:12   This should thrill our souls that godliness will bring everlasting joy.  Never should we want to walk with the wicked or stand with the sinner or sit with the scoffer.  2 Tim.2:19   The Lord is aware of the path we follow.  Jhn.10:14   He takes care of us and loves us as we love His Son.  1 Jhn.5:1

May our love and obedience have its final fruit in eternity.  1 Jhn.4:16,17