It is axiomatic that your direction often determines your destination. The Psalmist gives us a picture of a person who is guided by God’s word. Psalm one reveals the contrast between the ungodly and godly person. The Psalmist reveals what the godly person does not do,

How blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked, nor stand in the path of sinners, nor sit in the seat of scoffers! (Psalm 1:1)

The person who is blessed is guided by God’s word,

But his delight is in the law of the LORD, and in His law he meditates day and night. (Psalm 1:2)

The Godly person finds his delight in the word of God, and it is at the forefront of his mind. The result of meditating on God’s word is revealed in the next verse,

He will be like a tree firmly planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in its season and its leaf does not wither; and in whatever he does, he prospers. (Psalm 1:3)

The picture of a person who is guided by God’s word exhibits several characteristics of a healthy tree. First, we see the characteristic of stability. When you are grounded in God’s word, you are able to resist the storms of life. Solomon teaches us that the root determines the fruit,

A man will not be established by wickedness, but the root of the righteous will not be moved. (Proverbs 12:3)

Next, we see that a tree that is planted by streams of water displays health and vitality. Vitality then leads to fertility since a healthy tree is fruitful. Your relationship to God is revealed by your character and your conduct.

Even in difficult times, the healthy tree is able to remain verdant. Likewise, the person who meditates on God’s word demonstrates tenacity in challenging times. Finally, we see that the person who meditates upon God’s word is prosperous. This is a stark contrast to the ungodly person who is not guided by God’s word,

The wicked are not so, but they are like chaff which the wind drives away. Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the assembly of the righteous. (Psalm 1:4-5)

Chaff is the worthless part of the grain that is blown away by the wind. God however, is mindful of the righteous,

For the LORD knows the way of the righteous, but the way of the wicked will perish. (Psalm 1:6)

Does God know your way? Years ago the government in China commissioned an author to write a biography of Hudson Taylor with the purpose of discrediting his life and ministry. As the author was doing his research, he was increasingly impressed by Taylor’s character and godly life. Eventually, at the risk of losing his life, he laid aside his pen and received Jesus as his personal Savior. What would other people say about your life?

Associate Pastor – Discipleship.  The Church at LifePark

Professor of Discipleship, Columbia International University

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