Psalm 1 (NRSV)
Read Psalm 1 on biblegateway.com
Verse 1Happy are those who do not follow the advice of the wicked, or take the path that sinners tread, or sit in the seat of scoffers;
Verse 2but their delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law they meditate day and night.
Verse 3They are like trees planted by streams of water, which yield their fruit in its season, and their leaves do not wither. In all that they do, they prosper.
Verse 4The wicked are not so, but are like chaff that the wind drives away.
Verse 5Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous;
Verse 6for the Lord watches over the way of the righteous, but the way of the wicked will perish.
Devotion
Even though we are bound to be happier when we allow God’s rule in our daily thoughts, feelings, words and actions, we always fall short of a perfectly obedient life. Our sinful state clouds our minds, thwarts our decisions, mixes up our emotions and enslaves our willpower. We need a Rescuer!
God gave the Commandments for our protection, to show us our need for a Savior and to guide us in serving others. We join our Jewish sisters and brothers and give God thanks for the gift of the Law; but, more than that, we thank God for obeying the Law for us through Jesus Christ! What God commanded, God provided.
We are like a class that is given all A’s before it has done any assignments! Our obedience, our accomplishments, our loyalty are all gifts from God. True happiness comes from knowing our Savior and Lord!
Prayer
We thank you, Almighty God, for the gift of your Law. By your Holy Spirit inspire us to appreciate it anew. Most of all, give us a greater sense of the wideness of your mercy and the depth of your love, so that we are inspired to love our neighbors. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.