psalm 1

DEAR GOD: I Love Walking With You~

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Walking with God | Small Groups | Wild at Heart | Free Church Resources ...

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 1-2 (NKJV)

A Reflection on Righteousness and Sovereignty

The Psalms have long been a source of inspiration, guidance, and comfort for believers. The opening chapters, Psalm 1 and 2, set a profound foundation for the entire book, encapsulating the themes of righteousness, divine sovereignty, and the path of the blessed.

Walking with God should be automatic in every Christian. It is inherently who “we are” as a people who follow Christ. We are to assume the path and ascribe to His ways in all we do, each day of our lives, all the day long, until we enter into our eternal life in Heaven.

Listening to the Spirit within each of us is a way to assure our passage and earn our eternal rewards, by adhering to the Word and applying it into our life, each moment we are alive.

Psalm 1: The Way of the Righteous

Psalm 1 contrasts the lives of the righteous and the wicked. The righteous, likened to a tree planted by streams of water, finds nourishment in the law of the Lord. They are steadfast, fruitful, and prosper in all they do. In contrast, the wicked are like chaff blown away by the wind, unstable and destined to perish.

Questions for Reflection:

  1. What does it mean to be like a tree planted by streams of water in today’s world?
  2. How can we meditate on the law of the Lord day and night amidst modern distractions?

Morals:

  • Stability and Prosperity: The moral here is clear: grounding oneself in spiritual wisdom leads to stability and prosperity.
  • The Fate of the Wicked: The fate of the wicked serves as a warning that a life devoid of spiritual depth is ultimately unfulfilling and transient.

The Reign of the Lord’s Anointed

Psalm 2 presents a messianic prophecy and a vision of God’s ultimate rule. It speaks of the nations rebelling against the Lord and His anointed one. Yet, the divine response is one of laughter and sovereignty, as God has established His king on Zion.

Questions for Reflection:

  1. How do we reconcile the image of a laughing God with the struggles we face in the world?
  2. What does it mean to ‘kiss the Son’ in the context of faith and obedience?

Morals:

  • Divine Sovereignty: The moral lesson is the assurance of God’s sovereignty over all earthly powers.
  • Trust in Divine Plan: It encourages believers to trust in the divine plan, despite apparent chaos.

“Dear Father -O Lord, like the tree by the water, let us be deeply rooted in Your Word. May we flourish in Your righteousness and be steadfast in the face of life’s trials. Help us to discern the path of the blessed and to walk in it with integrity. In the face of worldly tumult, remind us of Your sovereignty and Your anointed one, Jesus Christ, in whom we find refuge and hope. Amen.”

These verses invite readers to delve deeper into the rich tapestry of the Psalms, seeking personal application and divine wisdom. The questions encourage introspection, while the morals draw out timeless truths relevant to our lives. May we reflect and fulfill our purpose according to His plans for us…

DEAR GOD: Thank You For Your Protection and Being Our Shield~

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My shield is God Most High, who saves the upright in heart - The Bible ...

For thou, Lord, wilt bless the righteous; with favour wilt thou compass him as with a shield-Psalm 1:12 (KJV)

Divine Favor as a Shield

The verse “For thou, Lord, wilt bless the righteous; with favour wilt thou compass him as with a shield” speaks to the profound relationship between the Divine and the righteous. It suggests that righteousness is not merely a path of moral rectitude but also a state of being that attracts the Lord’s blessings. The imagery of the Lord’s favor as a shield encapsulates the protective and encompassing nature of divine grace.

God will always inherently protect His children and followers; He is a constant shield and provider for all of us.  He is the consummate Father that covers us with love and mercy all the days of our lives – even when we sin, he loves us – and will forgive us our transgressions if we repent and have a contrite heart.

As children of faith going about our daily lives with this knowledge in place makes for a joyous living – knowing how God is with us always and is the purveyor and Father of all blessings from above.

As you go through your daily routine and tasks -give thanks to God that He is with you always, and never will leave you. He accompanies you all the days of your life! Isn’t that totally reassuring? And isn’t that something to give thanks about.

Reflection Questions:

  1. How does the concept of divine favor as a shield resonate with your personal experiences?
  2. What are the implications of viewing divine favor as a form of protection in daily life?

“Dear Heavenly Father, we seek Your favor, not as a mere desire for protection, but as an affirmation of our walk-in righteousness. May Your grace surround us like a shield, deflecting malice and guiding us to Your light. Bless us with the wisdom to discern right from wrong and the strength to uphold Your virtues, in Jesus’ name, Amen.”