Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor stands in the path of sinners, nor sits in the seat of the scornful; but his delight is in the law of the Lord, and in His law he meditates day and night. (Psalm 1:1-2)

Within Judaism it is said that while Moses presented Israel with the five books of the Law, David presented Israel with the five books of the Psalms. As Moses concluded the Torah, he blessed the people as he went throughout the camp, encouraging them to continue obeying the instructions God had given them at his hand. In this opening Psalm, we are given a description of a blessed or happy man (the Hebrew word is translated both ways) and why he is blessed.

First of all, a happy man will not give credence to the ways of the world seeing that they are in conflict with the ways of God, nor will he join with those who ridicule and scoff at the Word of God. In spite of the low opinion this world has for God and His Word, a happy man understands that Holy Scripture is the only source for truth, prosperity and blessing. Also take notice of the fact that a blessed man considers the teachings within God’s Word, night and day, rather than filling his spirit with 24-7 cable news and commentary. It seems to me, in fact, that listening non-stop to the talking heads on TV and the radio tends to make people more agitated and on edge — and that doesn’t lend itself to happiness.

Several years ago, I made the decision to stop watching TV news and meditating on all the different reports that showed up on my phone through various social media platforms. The idea was to quit filling my mind with all the “counsel of the ungodly” that I might fill my heart and mind with things that are actually valuable and beneficial. Obviously, that doesn’t mean that all the bad news goes away but, not having it invade my brain night and day does make for a more peaceful existence. That is especially true when we determine to fill our heart and mind with the things of God. And so then, let’s revisit Paul’s words in light of what the opening words of this Psalm teach us:

Whatever things are true and noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things. (Philippians 4:8)

Blessings and Shalom,  

Bill 

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