“Blessed is the man
who walks not in the counsel of the wicked,
nor stands in the way of sinners,
nor sits in the seat of scoffers;
but his delight is in the law of the Lord,
and on his law he meditates day and night.”
– Psalm 1:1-2
Do you want to be blessed? If so, the first psalm tells you three things to avoid and two things to do…
DON’T follow the advice of sinful people (even if they say they’re saints). It doesn’t matter if the advice comes in person, on TV, on the radio, on the web, or on social media. If that advice goes against God’s Word, will, and plan, don’t do it. That means you must be actively and critically thinking about any advice or direction you receive, not just “going with the flow”.
DON’T comfortably practice sin. Everyone will sin, but if you want to be blessed, you must be fighting every temptation to sin, praying for God’s help in the battle, and fleeing temptation rather than celebrating your latest rebellion against the God of the universe.
DON’T sit around being a critic. Don’t habitually use negativity to appear smarter, funnier, or cooler. Do positive things to make a difference rather than merely criticizing those who are trying or mocking the ways and will of God.
DO learn to enjoy reading the Bible. That must start with reading a portion of the Bible for yourself each day (or listening to it read), developing that skill to become a better reader (or listener) to God’s Word, and learning to enjoy the awesome beauty of what God has revealed to His people.
DO make a habit of actually thinking about what you’ve read. Don’t let Scripture enter your mind and exit just as fast. Grab ahold of key verses. Re-read them several times. Identify the key words and think about what they mean. Think hard about what the verses mean. Why are they there? What is God’s purpose in sharing them with you? Reflect on ways to apply them in your life and be blessed.