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
I drive a 1949 Plymouth—in fair summer weather, that is, and never in winter. Purchased in 1975, it's been part of my life nearly forty years. I am not its creator, but I am its restorer, and driving it brings me much happiness—when everything is working together as intended. When it does not, well, it's not so much fun.
The happiness of Psalm 1 far surpasses driving a 1949 Plymouth, although the similarities are instructive. Happy are we when we are in harmony with the intent of our creator and redeemer (restorer) as our lives become focused on love of God and neighbor. We may not intentionally or openly scoff that such a life is impractical in our aggressive, highly competitive world of "me first," but our words and deeds may perform the scoffing for us.
Each new day we are called from our scoffing and other ills to be restored in our baptismal commitment to live with God's people in worship, study and service, as we follow the example of Jesus.
Prayer
By your grace, O God, renew us this day to walk your ways and serve all people in the name of Jesus. Amen.