Scripture -Psalm 1:1-6

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.

Devotional

I have discovered in my walk with Christ that in past conversations I have used the phrase “I’m blessed” loosely. Anytime someone would ask me, how I am, what I been up to, or what has been happening in my life, it seems saying “I’m blessed” would sum up my life in a nutshell. I have learned that the phrase “I’m blessed” is more than being a Christian or one who attends church. I wanted to experience the true blessings of God and the truth will set us free. My desire is falling in line with God’s principles of being blessed. Psalm 1 is God’s litmus test for men and women to be Blessed. This is not a multiple choice nor fill in the blank, it is an open book test.

Psalm 1:1 expresses how the enemy will try to influence us in three areas of our life: where we walk, where we Stand and where we sit. We as believers and followers of Christ, whether aware or unaware have been tempted in these three areas.

1. Where we walk identifies the path and choices we make in life. The choices we make today has the potential to determine our destiny of tomorrow. The enemy’s agenda is to influence us, to change our direction. The enemy will glamourize another path that would appear to be successful, acceptance and prosperity. The scripture tells us in Matthew 7:13,“Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction and there are many who go in by it.” Psalm 1 is the key to kingdom success and prosperity, “Living the Blessed Life”.
2. Where we stand identifies holding to our faith. Holding on to what we believe. Being fully persuaded that God has power to do what He had promised. This stand has nothing to do with our feet but our faith. The enemy attempts to shake our faith, to raise doubt, and fear. The enemy wants to shift our stance and stability in Christ Jesus. But we must know in our heart of hearts that He who has begun a good work in us shall perform it until the day of Christ Jesus.
3. Where we sit determines who influences us. Who has our ear and whose word weighs into our decisions. The enemy wants us to lean into our own understanding. The enemy knows if we operate outside of God’s counsel and Word, he gets the glory. The enemy knows if he can get into our ears, he can influence our minds, and discourage our hearts and control our actions. Psalm 1 provides a prevention plan starting in verse 2 to avoid the pitfalls and plots of the enemy. It is summed up as, “Delight removes distractions”. When we delight in God and meditate on HIS Word, we apply spiritual repellent against the enemy. In the summer seasons, I am always fighting off, mosquitos, bees, and flies. But there are actions we can take to minimize those attacks against us. We can learn what repels those things that tries to attack our body. God has also given us Psalm 1 to fight off the attacks of the enemy. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood but against principalities, against powers and against rulers of darkness. When we choose to live life according to the Word of God, the blessings of the Lord will make you rich and add no sorrow. God is calling us to be the Psalm 1 Church. A people who are blessed to be a blessing. A people who bring glory and honor to God and not to ourselves. Let us challenge ourselves to be blessings, anonymously give an encouraging card to someone, anonymously pay for someone’s meal, share your testimony with a colleague, stand at someone’s door and release an encouraging word. These are ways we delight ourselves in the Lord. Say with confidence, “I’m blessed! Because I have the backing of Psalm 1 in my life.” Amen.