Standing Up in a Fallen World - Part 2
Psalm 1:1
This devotion and video come from a message of the same title.
Psalm 1 (a wisdom Psalm), applies to our current culture today. Meditate on the first verse and allow God to speak to your heart today.
Psalm 1:1 (NLT)
1 Oh, the joys of those (Literal translation - blessed are those) who do not follow the advice of the wicked, or stand around with sinners, or join in with mockers.
The first verse of the Psalms starts with three things that we are to turn from for us to be God-blessed and joy-filled.
Psalm 1:1 (NLT)
1 Oh, the joys of those (Literal translation - blessed are those) who do not follow the advice of the wicked, or stand around with sinners, or join in with mockers.
The first verse of the Psalms starts with three things that we are to turn from for us to be God-blessed and joy-filled.
AVOID WICKED ADVICE
First, verse 1 says, blessed (joyful) are those who do not follow the advice of the wicked.
The word for “wicked” describes a person or culture that is living in rebellion to God and is actively rejecting God’s wisdom, and Psalm 1 says, do not follow the advice of those people. This would certainly apply to whatever media we are choosing to be influenced by. We’ve got to accept that we are influenced by whatever media we are watching and listening to. We’ve got to know – that’s true because the people who are putting that stuff out there absolutely know it’s true.
So, the first step to a God-blessed and joyful life is to not follow the advice or the influence of those who live in rebellion to God and reject his wisdom.
The word for “wicked” describes a person or culture that is living in rebellion to God and is actively rejecting God’s wisdom, and Psalm 1 says, do not follow the advice of those people. This would certainly apply to whatever media we are choosing to be influenced by. We’ve got to accept that we are influenced by whatever media we are watching and listening to. We’ve got to know – that’s true because the people who are putting that stuff out there absolutely know it’s true.
So, the first step to a God-blessed and joyful life is to not follow the advice or the influence of those who live in rebellion to God and reject his wisdom.
LIFESTYLE CHOICES
Second, the middle of verse 1 says, blessed (joyful) are those who do not stand around with (or stand in the path) with sinners.
The phrase “stand around” or “stand in the path” with sinners refers to living a lifestyle alongside or along with those who are living in rebellion to God. This does not mean we should not have contact with them. It means we should not “live the same lifestyle” as them.
We cannot direct our lives in the same way or by the same influence that directs their lives.
The phrase “stand around” or “stand in the path” with sinners refers to living a lifestyle alongside or along with those who are living in rebellion to God. This does not mean we should not have contact with them. It means we should not “live the same lifestyle” as them.
We cannot direct our lives in the same way or by the same influence that directs their lives.
SCOFFERS AND MOCKERS
Finally, at the end of verse 1, we read, blessed (joyful) are those who do not join in with mockers.
The word for “mockers” or “scoffers” refers to people who arrogantly and pridefully reject the wisdom and direction of God. Let’s say, for example, those who would inspire the burning of Bibles, or call for the tearing down of all statues of Jesus. To “join in” or “sit in the seat” with them means to be identified with them, and God calls us not to be identified with them – even if they scream really loud that it’s all about racism.
And I know if the wrong people hear me say this, they may come all the way to Nuevo to burn this church down. But – the truth is – God’s Word says do not be identified with people who arrogantly and pridefully reject the wisdom and direction of God, and I think burning Bibles and tearing down statues of Jesus fits in that category pretty well.
The word for “mockers” or “scoffers” refers to people who arrogantly and pridefully reject the wisdom and direction of God. Let’s say, for example, those who would inspire the burning of Bibles, or call for the tearing down of all statues of Jesus. To “join in” or “sit in the seat” with them means to be identified with them, and God calls us not to be identified with them – even if they scream really loud that it’s all about racism.
And I know if the wrong people hear me say this, they may come all the way to Nuevo to burn this church down. But – the truth is – God’s Word says do not be identified with people who arrogantly and pridefully reject the wisdom and direction of God, and I think burning Bibles and tearing down statues of Jesus fits in that category pretty well.
INFLUENCE
We’ve got to be more careful about who we are being influenced by. We’ve got to be more influenced by God and less influenced by a God-hating world. We’ve got to be more influenced by God’s wisdom and less influenced by social media propaganda.
Direct your heart to follow God’s wisdom in this verse. There is much joy in following hard after God and meditating on his Word. Let this verse sit with you; mull it over. Be careful who is influencing you, and look for opportunities to be wise and follow God’s instructions. Identify yourself with God, (not the world), and you will be standing up in a fallen world.
Direct your heart to follow God’s wisdom in this verse. There is much joy in following hard after God and meditating on his Word. Let this verse sit with you; mull it over. Be careful who is influencing you, and look for opportunities to be wise and follow God’s instructions. Identify yourself with God, (not the world), and you will be standing up in a fallen world.