Psalm 1
"Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers. But his delight is in the law of Yahweh, and on his law he meditates day and night." - Psalm 1:1-2
We don't know who wrote this first psalm, but we can be sure it opens the great book of Psalms for a reason. It is an invitation to be a righteous person. And how are we to be righteous? By paying close attention to what Yahweh, the Creator of the universe has said.
A couple of generations ago in New Zealand, a great majority of people would have been familiar with passages like Psalm 1. It is so foundational. Some people are righteous, and others are wicked (vv. 5-6). Some people will stand in the judgment; many others won't (v. 5). Not only will the wicked perish, but their way, or lifestyle, will also perish (v. 6).
How many people today truly delight in the word of God and desire to meditate on it day and night? Of course non-Christians have no desire to think about God's word, but many who go to church also lack this desire.
But there are real blessings for men and women who delight in God's law. They will prosper in all they do (v. 3).
Father, I pray you will increase the number of people in New Zealand who love you and your word, who have desire to understand reality, and who want to walk with you in a righteous manner through the Lord Jesus Christ. In his name, amen.
- Jeff Coleman