The Book of Psalms begins with the contrast of two life paths; one leads to happiness, the other leads to ruin. The psalmist clarified that the pathway to happiness consists in part of actively avoiding the pathway to ruin. In our walking, standing, and sitting (all of our waking hours) we must avoid the wicked, sinners, and mockers (Psalm1:1) who champion godlessness.
However, it is not sufficient merely to avoid evil people. Christian Fundamentalists have often been critiqued for their frequent recitations of what Christians must NOT do. If all we do is avoid sin, we have accomplished nothing more than sitting on the fence of moral neutrality.
The psalmist made it clear that people who want to honor God run both from evil and to righteousness. According to Psalm 1:2, we live righteous lives by finding delight in the Lord’s instruction and meditating on the Word of God day and night (all our waking hours).
Sadly, most Christians have relegated meditation to a humming guru sitting in the lotus position. While that type of religious activity seeks to empty one’s mind, the Word of God calls us to fill our hearts and minds with the things of God. An empty mind becomes a vacuum for ungodliness.
Biblical meditation takes us beyond merely reading or even memorizing Scripture. We have all seen, and at times been, the person who reads or recites a Bible verse with such speed or inattention that the content is only skimmed.
When we meditate on God’s Word, it becomes a meal no longer scarfed, but savored. While I certainly celebrate reading as much of the Bible in a year as one can, quantity of reading it not the goal. Quality intake of God’s Word means we may read the same passage, even the same verse, over and over as the Holy Spirit causes it to make application in our lives.
Rev. Virgil Allison was a member and previous pastor of the first church I pastored. While I have many fond memories of him, this passage reminds me of his illustration of Psalms 34:8, “Taste and see that the Lord is good.” He compared the tasting of God’s goodness to eating a grapefruit. At first it can be a bit overwhelming to the taste buds, but it soon becomes an enjoyable experience. Similarly, we may not know how to handle the Word of God initially, but the longer we stay in it the more satisfying it becomes!
When we live according to the Word, we become like a tree planted by the water (Psalm1:4). Such a tree never withers, but bears fruit according to its design. By contrast, the wicked are blown about like chaff. Because they have no root, they neither receive nourishment nor bear fruit. Consequently, they will die under the wrath of God and receive the judgment due the unrighteous.
If you find yourself today on the path to ruin, it’s time to choose the way of the righteous. By God’s grace, your life can be radically transformed now and throughout eternity. B&R