Recipe for Blessing

Years ago, I memorized Psalm 1. For some reason, I used the King James version, and even today it seems less awkward, despite the Shakespearean-style old English:

Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. But his delight is in the law of the Lord; and in his law doth he meditate day and night.

As people, we have a choice about where we spend our time—where and with whom we hang out, in whose company we travel, and our posture even sitting alone. For some, every moment is filled with scorn, anger, and hostility; they hang out with like-minded people and follow their poor advice.

Why are we so easily inclined to do what is mean and harmful? Some actually regard goodness as weak somehow. Philosophers have long wondered at “man's inhumanity to man.” Yet we usually hope to prosper, to have a good life, to be loved and appreciated, and not to go through hardship or tragedy, and especially not evil.

This Psalm promises all of that and more. It doesn't say that God will bless us for walking among the godly, standing among the upright, the righteous, and good, and sitting in the seat of the respectful, gracious, and appreciative, although that is certainly implied. The wording, however, strongly suggests that blessing is the natural consequence of such a lifestyle.

Both the natural and the God-given blessing is fostered and promoted by a love for God's law and a mind that dwells on its content. Not only does this provide encouragement to our sitting, standing, and walking, but it instills in us a basis for finding those who company encourages the same, like-minded folk who also love and ponder God's word.

I won't oversimplify this as a choice between negative and positive, but such a choice is certainly a part of this way to blessing. Places and people of negativity will bring us down, while those that are upbeat, encouraging, and positive will bring blessing. I wrote about this recently. Much, much longer ago, the Apostle Paul wrote, “Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things” (Philippians 4:8-9). I know of no other passage better for guiding you thinking and mediation.

Psalm1 concludes with contrasts. The blessing promised is one of refreshment, growth, fruitfulness, productivity, and prosperity. For the recalcitrant and wicked, withering away and loss awaits. Abandonment by God versus God's loving oversight for the blessed.