Scripture - Psalm 1
1 Blessed is the man who has not walked in the counsel of the ungodly, *
nor stood in the way of sinners, and has not sat in the seat of the scornful;
2 But his delight is in the law of the Lord, *
and on his law will he meditate day and night.
3 And he shall be like a tree planted by the waterside, *
that will bring forth his fruit in due season.
4 His leaf also shall not wither; *
and look, whatever he does, it shall prosper.
5 As for the ungodly, it is not so with them; *
but they are like the chaff, which the wind scatters away from the face of the earth.
6 Therefore the ungodly shall not be able to stand in the judgment, *
neither the sinners in the congregation of the righteous.
7 For the Lord knows the way of the righteous, *
but the way of the ungodly shall perish.
Reflection - In this first psalm, the introduction to the collection of poems and prayers that describe the full range of experiencing life in the presence of God, we hear the contrast between the person who seeks counsel and direction in the way of God and the one who is carried away by the whims and folly of the world and the people who reject God. The one who delights in the law of the Lord and holds it close day and night is rooted firmly, able to stand firm through seasons of change and uncertain circumstance while the one who does not know or worse rejects the character and nature of God is blown about and lifeless.
How truly fortunate we are to have the revelation of God in His Holy Word! Even more, how amazing that in Love this very Word was made flesh and dwelt among us. As if this was not enough, we have the Holy Spirit to guide us into all Truth. How beautiful the promise of divine joy when we allow these revelations of God in word, flesh, and Spirit to be our delight and our guide.
Practice - In this last week before Holy Week, we look at the Lenten call to read and meditate on God’s Holy Word. There are many beautiful and faithful practices by which we can do this. We have previously looked at how we might approach Scripture with our whole self as we practiced Reading with Love. The Psalms also provide instruction and example on meditating and responding to God’s Holy Word in the midst of circumstances and emotion. (https://www.horizons-sa.org/post/exploring-poetry-and-the-psalms)
Let us also consider another way of meditating on Scripture by allowing the Word of God to search us.
Hear these words of Jesus:
“Come to Me, all who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is comfortable, and My burden is light.” (Matthew 11:28-30)
- Ask the Holy Spirit to guide you in this meditation.
- Hear Jesus inviting you to come to Him.
- Notice where in your body you feel weary.
- Notice where you feel burdened.
- How is Christ inviting you to bring your weariness and burdens to Him?
- In what ways are you accepting this invitation?
- In what ways are you resisting?
- Hear Jesus inviting you to rest.
- How will you receive this rest?
- Thank God for this time and ask for grace to walk with Jesus.