11/06/2008
Psalms 1:1 - 2 (HCSB) 1 How happy is the man
who does not follow the advice of the wicked,
or take the path of sinners,
or join a group of mockers!
2 Instead, his delight is in the LORD’s instruction,
and he meditates on it day and night.
===
Do you remember when your parent’s used to warn you about hanging with the “wrong crowd?” Do you remember any times when you separated yourself from a group that was acting in a self-destructive manner?
The psalms are quite simply, songs. They were song in a variety of settings and for a variety of reasons—just like our hymns today. Many of the psalms were authored by King David, but many were not and we do not know the origin of them. Nonetheless, they are songs of praise, remembrance, meditation and sorrow. As we start through the book of Psalms, we open with this very first one, and how fitting it is.
When we seek to follow God, we find joy in associating with others who also seek God. When we associate with those who reject God, we do not experience that joy. It is important for us to have Godly friends to seek counsel and even to just spend casual time. This helps us stay centered on what is important.
We should not neglect those in the world however; we need to be in the world so that we can lead those who have not found that relationship with God. Yet, our quality time should be with like-minded believers.
Verse 2 reminds us also that we need to be mindful of God’s plan and purposes. One very good way of doing that is to include daily Bible reading in your “things to do.” Develop a reading plan. Set goals. Ideally, the plan should including reading and then reflection upon what has been read (rather than just reading so that you can get through the text). God can and does speak through every passage of His word.
Just as we should spend time with other believers, we should also make spending daily time with the Author of our faith a priority.
Jeff Justus
Cleff Publishing
www.cleffpublishing.com
©2008 Cleff Publishing, all rights reserved.
Terms of Usage: This devotional may be copied or forwarded for personal use without permission, but must include the author, publisher, web link, and copyright notice. Use in another published work must obtain permission first.