Psalm 1:1-3 – “How blessed is the one who does not follow the advice of the wicked, or stand in the pathway with sinners, or sit in the assembly of scoffers.  ² Instead he finds pleasure in obeying the Lord’s  commands; he meditates on his commands day and night.  ³ He is like a tree planted by flowing streams; it yields its fruit at the proper time, and its leaves never fall off.  He succeeds in everything he attempts.”

Psalm One has proven time and again to be a launching pad of discovery and comfort.   In Psalm One, God contrasts those who fear, follow, pursue, and serve God and those who do not.   We all have choices and choices, and they always have consequences or results.

Some notable characteristics identify the lover of God.  That person finds pleasure in obeying God’s commandments.   In fact, this person loves God so much and enjoys doing what God desires, so they meditate on His Word continuously.  It fills their hearts and minds.

The result is stability in everything and all the time!  No vacillation or wavering.  They discover the life-giving water of the Word and the fertilizer of the Spirit, which results in an abundance of spiritual fruit manifested and harvested in their lives.  They have the right fruit at the right time for the right reason.

Their leaves do not fall off, indicating that they stay vibrant.  Here is an astounding provision and promise – “He succeeds in EVERYTHING he attempts.”  Do you have that?  Be honest.  Why not if you do not?  In verse six, we have the amazing assurance – “Certainly, the LORD guards the way of the godly…”

In 1 Peter, we read about Salvation!   We read about God’s abundance of life, grace, peace, protection, provision, purpose, and power.  Then, in 1 Peter 1:13-25, the apostle points us to the pathway or entryway to those promises.

It is Grace plus Faith plus Action.  The directive is, Get your mind ready for action, BY… by what?   By being fully sober with our Hope set completely on Grace (Jesus).  Resist evil urges but rather pursue holiness and, through the Holy Spirit, become holy.

Verse 22 is revelatory, “You HAVE purified your souls BY obeying the truth in order to show sincere mutual love.”   Chapter 2, verse 1 gives us something we are to do and cultivate – “Get rid of ALL evil, deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and slander.  Yearn like a newborn longs for its mother’s milk, the milk of God’s Word.”

In that condition and from that position, we both resist the devil, and he has no choice but to flee.   We cast ALL our cares, concerns, and needs upon Jesus, knowing He cares for us and Never Fails!

Therefore, let each of us become an oak of righteousness and a tree whose tap roots are in God’s stream.   We have a world to win.  Let us be trees that never wither, and when the end of this life comes, be vibrant fruit-producing trees in God’s garden.

May your day be bright and your leaves green and flourishing in the presence and power of God!