June 22, 2016 (Wednesday)
Psalm 1 shows us how to be happy. Happiness begins when we make the right choices in life. Some choose the right way; others choose the wrong way. The right way brings joy; the wrong way produces misery.
If we choose to avoid walking in step with the wicked, or standing in the way that sinners take, or sitting in the company of mockers, we are blessed.
If we choose the right way, the law of the Lord becomes our delight and we meditate upon it day and night.
If we choose the right way, we choose spiritual strength for ourselves, becoming like trees planted by the water, yielding fruit in season, and showing signs of strength that never fails.
If we choose the right way, we shall prosper.
If, on the other hand, we choose the wrong way, we are like the chaff blown by the wind without purpose or direction.
If we choose the wrong way, we will suffer condemnation from the Lord and separation from the righteous.
The Lord watches over the way of the righteous, but the way of the wicked leads to destruction.
Blessed is the one
who does not walk in step with the wicked
or stand in the way that sinners take
or sit in the company of mockers,
2
but whose delight is in the law of the Lord,
and who meditates on his law day and night.
3
That person is like a tree planted by streams of water,
which yields its fruit in season
and whose leaf does not wither–
whatever they do prospers.
4
Not so the wicked!
They are like chaff
that the wind blows away.
5
Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgment,
nor sinners in the assembly of the righteous.
6
For the Lord watches over the way of the righteous,
but the way of the wicked leads to destruction.