1 Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked or stand in the way of sinners or sit in the seat of mockers.
2 But his delight is in the law of the LORD, and on his law he meditates day and night.
3 He is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither. Whatever he does prospers.
4 Not so the wicked! They are like chaff that the wind blows away.
5 Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the assembly of the righteous.
6 For the LORD watches over the way of the righteous, but the way of the wicked will perish.
What brings happiness? One wealthy woman had a nanny for her young child. She heard her youngster crying for something and kept it up. Finally wanting silence, the woman shouted to the nanny, “Give that child whatever she wants.” The Nanny protested.
“You heard me, give the child whatever it is that she is crying for.” After a moment the child was really wailing, for she had been given the bumble bee she wanted to pet.
So often people think things they want will bring happiness. Some will participate in sinful behavior thinking this will bring happiness. Later they find a bitter sting. Many seek pleasure in homes, jobs, recreation, hobbies, drugs, sex, and money. So often there is a gnawing feeling that something is missing.
In the Movie, Bruce Almighty, Bruce is given divine powers for a week to answer people’s prayers. He finally is so fed up with all the requests that people pray for that he decides to answer yes to every one of them. He discovers why it’s impractical and unhealthy for God to grant every request. The selfish lusts of people lead to being out of control. For instance, thousands of people are praying to win the lottery, and but are very unhappy when they only get $17.00 apiece. People who get what they want don’t necessarily get what they need and what they think brings happiness produces the opposite.
As we begin a new school year in this coming week, it is good to go back to the basics as to what will make your new year for students and families. True blessing focuses on the truth from the Word of God.
Many translations use the word Happiness instead of Blessed. What goes through your mind if I ask you what makes you happy or what makes you blessed?
This week we will look at some of the details of Psalm 1 as a recipe from the Bible for happiness. King David highlights how important it is to study God’s Word. If you aren’t doing so already, begin now making Bible reading and study a daily habit. You can read the Bible through in a year by doing so 15 minutes a day.
Application: Pick a method that is right for you, so you can listen and read what God has inspired. Maybe download a bible app to your phone.
Prayer: Lord, help me to be diligent to read and listen to Your Word. I want to be like a tree planted by streams of water.
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