The Way Of The Righteous

Psalm 1 is a great doorway to the New Year. Psalm 1 teaches us that there are two ways to do life. This is the Psalm of the two ways, the two destinies. Psalm 1 sets forth the way of the righteous and the way of the ungodly.

Verses 1 through 3 tell us about the way of the righteous and verses 4 through 6 detail the way of the ungodly. There are only two. Daniel says it this way: "Many of those who sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt" Daniel 12:2.

In Matthew we read these words: "Enter by the narrow gate, for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it. Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it". Matthew 7:13-14.

In John we read: "Do not marvel at this; for the hour is coming in which all who are in their graves will hear his voice and come forth: those who have done good, to the resurrection of life, and those who have done evil, to the resurrection of condemnation". John 5:28-29. While there are many thoughts about life, there are truly only two ways. And while the Bible is very clear about the two ways, it is even more careful to point out that only one of those two ways will bring happiness to one's life.

Most of us spend a lot of time trying to find happiness. We're all involved in the pursuit of happiness. The Bible is very clear to tell us we should not take God out of the picture or we will not have joy. Psalm 16:11 says: "God, you'll show me the path of life; and in your presence is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore".

Now let’s move onto Psalm 1. This is a very special Psalm. It begins in verses 1 through 3. The way of the Righteous: In describing the way of the righteous, the Psalmist tells us five general things about these people.

A. The Righteous follows in the godly path:

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. 3 He shall be like a tree Planted by the rivers of water, That brings forth its fruit in its season, Whose leaf also shall not wither; And whatever he does shall prosper. Psalm 1:1-3

The first verse portrays the characteristics of a righteous person, highlighting their steadfast refusal to engage in sinful behavior.To be ungodly simply means to live your life without God. If you are unhealthy, you are without health. If you are ungodly, you've decided to do life without God.

The blessed person is one who purposefully avoids harmful influences that block true happiness and spiritual growth. These negative influences are toxic and destructive, preventing fulfillment and peace. "Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly". Don't get yourself involved in relationships and in situations where the influence in your life is dragging you into a wrong path.

B. The Righteous have a deep appreciation for the Scriptures:

Another important lesson we learn about the righteous is their deep appreciation for Scripture. The godly person’s "delight is in the law of the Lord, and in His law he meditates day and night" (Psalm 1:2). As a result, they are like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season, its leaves never wither, and whatever they do prospers (Psalm 1:3). This shows that the righteous person's heart finds joy in God's Word, meditating on it continually and allowing it to guide their life.

Here we learn that the man who is walking on the righteous road is a blessed man because he finds joy in the Word of God. He reads the Word of God because he wants to learn how to please God. You will only delight in God's law if you delight in God himself. The person who delights in the law of the Lord does not study the Bible to find the bare minimum of Christian living, but to deepen their relationship with God and grow in His truth.

Let me show you how truly powerful- the Word of God can be. Over the past year, I’ve been memorizing a large portion of Scripture, and through this process, I’ve learned something valuable: the Word of God is an effective weapon that provides relief and healing to my soul, especially after a day filled with anxiety, struggles, and worries. So, I encourage you, brothers and sisters, if there is a verse or passage in your heart, meditate on it.