Passage: Psalm 1
The Big Idea
Psalm 1 and Psalm 2 stand together at the door of the Psalms. Psalm 1 shows the way of the law: the blessed person who delights in God’s law day and night. Psalm 2 shows the way of the gospel: the King, the Son, and the blessing of all who trust in Him. Read through the cross, Psalm 1 isn’t a call to study the law until we’re godly enough. It’s an invitation to delight in the One who fulfills the law for us and in us, and to be planted by His streams.
Reflections
Walk, stand, sit (v. 1). These cover every arena of life. At every moment I’m being led by something. The blessed person isn’t led by the counsel of the ungodly, trusting their way of thinking and their resources. That’s the opposite of being led by the Spirit. What am I being led by today?
Delight and meditation (v. 2). Instead of walking in human wisdom, the man or woman of God looks to God for life and light, and delights in His ways. Jesus said, “I am the way,” and He fulfills the law for all who trust in Him. The key isn’t studying the law to become more godly, but growing in relationship with the One who fulfills it for us, in us and through us as a free gift. He frees us from the burden of performance to invite us into moment-by-moment fellowship with Himself, and righteousness flows out of us like a fountain. Whoever sows to the Spirit will of the Spirit reap everlasting life (Galatians 6:8).
A tree planted (v. 3). Growth is the natural result of knowing Jesus. His grace plants us and establishes us. No more anxiety about where I need to be or what I need to do. Planted by streams: refreshment, joy, beauty, rest, peace, supply.
- Fruit in its season. The Spirit produces my fruit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. My part is to abide and be led.
- Its leaf won’t wither. Leaves die for lack of water. That isn’t the lot of the one who trusts the Lord. When I feel like a dry leaf, I turn back to the Spirit of Jesus, drink the living water He gives, and believe His loving sufficiency.
- Whatever he does prospers. God’s hand of blessing is with me, leading me in triumph, living an honorable life in the eyes of the only One who really matters: my Father.
Like chaff (v. 4). The way of the flesh is lightweight: not rooted, not sufficient, blown around by every outside force. Grace alone establishes the heart (Hebrews 13:9). The flesh only cuts us off from the Spirit’s nourishment.
They won’t stand (v. 5). The flesh has only one end. It’s already been judged, and it can’t be reformed. No amount of effort can turn it into something pure. That’s why we must be born again by the Spirit and put no confidence in the flesh (Philippians 3:3). The Spirit does the impossible: He takes my old self to the cross with Jesus and gives me His righteousness, making me a true child of the Father.
The Lord knows the way of the righteous (v. 6). God is personally involved in the life of the righteous, because His Spirit is producing that life. He’s its source, He’s glorified by it, and He enjoys the fruit of His own work in us. It lasts. But a life lived apart from the only Source of life can’t last.
Grace Takeaway
What’s leading you today? Don’t settle for the chaff of self-effort. Delight in Jesus, the One who fulfilled the law for you. Stay planted by His streams, and let His Spirit bear fruit in its season.