Delighting in the Lord: A Reflection on Psalm 1
Oh, to walk with Him
Today’s Days of Heaven on Earth devotional by A.B. Simpson offers us a rich picture of the blessed life—a life rooted in God, flourishing in joy, and bearing fruit in every season. Psalm 1:1 describes the man who walks in God’s ways and meditates on His Word, revealing three key attributes that define his blessedness.
1. His Companions: Choosing Righteous Paths
The blessed man carefully chooses his influences. He avoids walking in the advice of the ungodly, standing in the way of sinners, or sitting with scoffers. Each verb—walk, stand, and sit—reflects an increasing level of engagement with sin and rebellion. By turning away from such paths, he chooses instead to walk with God and to seek the fellowship of those who honor Him.
This truth reminds us that our companions shape our journey. To remain steadfast in the Lord, we must discern whose voices we allow to guide us. Are we walking with those who draw us closer to God, or are we drifting into paths that lead us away from Him?
2. His Delight: Meditation on God’s Word
The blessed man doesn’t merely read the Word of God—he delights in it. Day and night, he meditates on its truths, allowing them to sink deeply into his heart and shape his thoughts. This ongoing communion with the Lord nourishes his soul, much like a tree drawing sustenance from nearby streams.
When we delight in God’s Word, it becomes more than a religious duty—it becomes our joy and sustenance. This delight keeps us anchored in truth and empowers us to live lives that reflect His wisdom and grace.
3. His Fruitfulness: A Life That Prospers
The psalmist paints a vivid image of the blessed man as a tree planted by streams of water, producing fruit in season and whose leaves do not wither. The tree’s vitality is not dependent on external circumstances but on its deep, ongoing connection to the source of life.
In Scripture, the river often symbolizes the Holy Spirit. The blessed man’s fruitfulness flows from his rootedness in the Spirit, who nourishes him and enables him to bear fruit appropriate for each season of life. Whether in times of abundance or trial, his spirit remains fresh and vibrant, like leaves that never fade.
The Source of True Happiness
A life like this is truly happy, for happiness is not found in fleeting pleasures but in the enduring presence of God. As Simpson beautifully illustrates, a sunbeam remains bright even in a cellar, and a nightingale sings even in the darkest night. When our hearts are anchored in the Lord, joy flows from within, untouched by life’s circumstances.
Living Out the Psalm 1 Life
Psalm 1 reminds us that the blessed life is a choice—a daily decision to walk with God, meditate on His Word, and remain rooted in His Spirit. As we align our hearts with His truth, we discover the deep joy and fruitfulness that comes from abiding in Him.
May we, like the blessed man of Psalm 1, choose companions that encourage us, delight in God’s Word as our source of life, and remain deeply rooted in the Spirit, bearing fruit for His glory in every season.
Closing Prayer
Lord, thank You for the richness of Your Word, which nourishes our souls and guides our steps. By Your grace and as we choose to abide in You, we Trust You to keep us from walking in paths that lead us away from You. We trust You to draw our hearts to delight in Your truth and meditate on it day and night. By Your Spirit, we trust You to root us deeply in Your love, that we may bear fruit in every season and live lives that bring You glory. In Jesus’ name, Amen.