Blessed

Psalm 1:1 - "Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked or stand in the way of sinners or sit in the seat of mockers."

It's been a long time since I've written a devotional. I thought I'd start back up today. And, I thought I'd go back to the Psalms.

Do you feel blessed?

It's a hard question, isn't it? Chances are, if you are reading this blog, and have the ability to understand it, you are among the most blessed people financially on earth. You have been given the opportunity to receive an education, know how to navigate your way around the Internet, and you are most likely wealthy enough to afford a computer and access to the web.

But, financial and educational blessing isn't the type of blessing that Psalm 1:1 is speaking of.

Why is it that most western Christians equate the blessing of God with material things? Is it possilble that some of the most blessed people on earth are among are planet's poorest inhabitants?

But, I digress. We are introduced to the beautiful Jewish songs, poems and prayers that make up the Psalms with a beautifully crafted verse.

"Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked or stand in the way of sinners or sit in the seat of mockers."

Have you ever walked in the counsel of the wicked? It's a miserable experience. God has a wonderful plan for every person on planet earth. He desires that we would know Him and the power of life in Christ. But, Satan fights against that message. Called in Scripture "the prince of this world" (John 14:30) and "the god of this age" (2 Corinthians 4:4), Satan tries his best to decieve us all into believing that we don't need Christ. May we not listen to his counsel for "the father of lies" (John 8:44) is the source of the counsel of the wicked.

The Psalmist also tells us to not stand in the way of sinners. In other words, we need to be people who do not live like those who go about sinning. Standing in the way of sinners carries with it the idea that we are trying on their way of life. Now, don't get confused here. We're not called to be pious people who think that we are better than anyone else. Romans 3:23 is clear that all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. But, those of us who have been touched by God need not run back to sin. He gives us the strength to walk away from a life that dishonors him. We are not blessed when we try on the lifestyle of those who are still living in sin.

The Psalmist concludes this verse by warning us not to sit in the seat of scoffers. When I was a youth pastor, I used to hear stories all the time from teenage girls who had been hurt deeply by what other people were saying. A scoffer is someone who ridicules another person. They make fun of you for one thing or another. The Psalmist warns us not to scoff at the things of God. In other words, don't follow the crowd and don't join in their mockery of the Divine or those who have been created in the image of the Divine.

When we do the opposite of those described in verse one, we are blessed. So, my friends, will you join me in walking in the counsel of the godly? Will you join me in standing with the redeemed? Will you join me in sitting in the seat of those who bless others? Let's start a revolution in godly living.

Dear Heavenly Father,

You have called us to a higher standard of living. Thank you! Thank you that you provide a way for us to live in a world that seeks to dishonor you. You have shown us clearly in your word what it means to live as a child of God. Thank you that we experience blessing that is deeper than any monetary gift when we honor you. Help us to honor You with our lives.

In Jesus' name,

Amen.