Devotional: A Blessed Man

Psalm 1 When I send my daughter a text message, I often sign off with one of the following: “Have a great day,” “Have a blessed day,” or “Be blessed.” These words that convey well wishes do not mean that I think that she can expect that her day will be one without problems and conflicts. I know that she is likely to encounter various sorts of difficulties during her daily activities. So what do I really mean? Psalm 1 offers us ways in which we can be blessed and have a blessed day. Psalm 1 tells us that we can choose how we live day to day. We can choose the people that we associate with and the lifestyle that we live. I hope that my daughter will choose to walk with the righteous instead of the wicked (v. 1). I hope that she will delight in living a Godly lifestyle as she encounters those situations that are rewarding and bring joy and happiness as well as those that present great difficulties and sadness. I hope that she approach each situation knowing and keeping in mind the law of the Lord, meditating on His words throughout the day (v. 2). The psalmist writes to contrast the ways of the righteous (v. 3) with the ways of the wicked (v. 4). He further states that ultimately the wicked cannot stand with the righteous in the judgment (v. 5). The righteous will stand with God because God knows them, but He does not know the wicked so they will perish (v. 6). Prayer: Lord we thank you for your words that teach us to be blessed by being committed to obeying your laws. Empower us by your Holy Spirit so that we might make right choices each day and be blessed. Amen.