The Choice of Two Ways

Scripture: Psalm 1 - 1 Blessed is the man who does not follow the advice of the wicked or take the path of sinners or join a group of scoffers! 2 Instead, his delight is in the Lord’s instruction, and he meditates on it day and night. 3 He is like a tree planted beside streams of water that bears its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither. Whatever he does prospers. 4 The wicked are not like this; instead, they are like chaff that the wind blows away. 5 Therefore the wicked will not survive the judgment, and sinners will not be in the community of the righteous. 6 For the Lord watches over the way of the righteous, but the way of the wicked leads to ruin. 

Reflection:
Psalm 1 opens with a powerful contrast between two ways of living: the way of the righteous and the way of the wicked. The psalmist begins with a blessing: "Blessed is the man who does not follow the advice of the wicked or take the path of sinners or join a group of scoffers!" (Psalm 1:1). This verse immediately sets the tone for a life of separation from negative influences.

To live a blessed life, we must:
    1. Avoid listening to foolish opinions: This involves not following the advice of the wicked, which is often driven by feelings rather than truth.
    2. Refrain from practicing selfish habits: This means not taking the path of sinners who are only concerned with satisfying their sinful desires.
    3. Steer clear of bad company: Avoid joining groups of scoffers who do not have our best interests at heart and often stir up trouble.

Instead, the psalmist advises us to:
    1. Listen to truthful observations: Follow the advice of the righteous.
    2. Practice selfless habits: Take the path of the redeemed.
    3. Keep faithful company: Join groups of encouragers.

In verse 2, the focus shifts to delighting in the Lord's instruction and meditating on it day and night. This delight in God's Word and will leads to being like a tree planted by streams of water, bearing fruit in its season and whose leaf does not wither (Psalm 1:3). This imagery emphasizes stability, nourishment, and productivity in the life of the righteous.

The wicked, on the other hand, are like chaff that the wind blows away (Psalm 1:4). They lack stability and substance, easily driven away by the winds of selfishness and bad company.

Ultimately, the Lord watches over the way of the righteous, but the way of the wicked leads to ruin (Psalm 1:6). The psalm sets the foundation for understanding the importance of choosing a relationship with God, delighting in His Word, and living out His will.

Reflection Questions:
    1. What are some foolish opinions, selfish habits, or bad company that you need to avoid in your life?
    2. How can you delight more in God's Word and will for your life?
    3. In what ways can you become more like the tree planted by streams of water, bearing fruit in your season?

Application:
Today, take some time to reflect on the influences in your life. Are they leading you toward righteousness or wickedness? Make a conscious decision to immerse yourself in God's Word, seeking His guidance and wisdom. Join a community of believers who will encourage and support you in your walk with God.

Prayer:
Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for Your Word that guides us in the way of righteousness. Help me to avoid the influence of the wicked, the path of sinners, and the company of scoffers. Instead, give me the wisdom to delight in Your instruction and meditate on it day and night. Plant me like a tree by streams of water, that I may bear fruit in due season and prosper in all that I do. Watch over my path and lead me in Your everlasting way. In Jesus' name, Amen.