Psalms, a powerful collection of lyrical poems with multiple authors.

• Moses, David, and Solomon were some of the authors. 
• Written over a span of one thousand years.
• A book of praises.
• A book of songs.

The book of Psalms expresses worship. Throughout its many pages, Psalms encourages its readers to praise God for who He is and what He has done. The Psalms illuminate the greatness of our God, affirm His faithfulness to us in times of trouble, and remind us of the absolute centrality of His Word.

Psalm 1 starts us off with very clear instruction on two ways to live.

• THE PATH OF THE RIGHTEOUS:

1 Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked or stand in the way that sinners take or sit in the company of mockers, 2 but whose delight is in the law of the Lord, and who meditates on his law day and night. 3 That person is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither— whatever they do prospers. Psalm 1:1-3 NIV

“Blessed is the one” speaks of the happiness, the blessedness, the contentment in the life of the man or woman who is right or “straight” with God. 

• Not walking, standing, or sitting with the ungodly implies steering clear of sin by avoiding participation in every aspect of the sinner’s way of life. 

33 Do not be misled: “Bad company corrupts good character.” 1 Corinthians 15:33 NIV

A believer who “walks not in the counsel of the ungodly” will apply biblical truth to their daily life, letting God’s Word be a lamp to guide their feet and a light for their path.

2 but whose delight is in the law of the Lord, and who meditates on his law day and night. Psalm 1:2 NIV

• Do I truly delight in the law of the Lord?
• Do I meditate on God’s Word?
• Do I read, apply, or claim God’s Word?

1 And so, dear brothers and sisters, I plead with you to give your bodies to God because of all he has done for you. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice—the kind he will find acceptable. This is truly the way to worship him. 2 Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.  Romans 12:1-2 NLT

Loving God and obeying His Word will result in abundant blessings.

3 That person is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither—whatever they do prospers. Psalm 1:3 NIV

• THE PATH OF THE UNGODLY:

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 leads to destruction. Psalm 1:4-6 NIV

• The righteous man and the ungodly man are different in how they think, how they behave, and to whom they belong.
• The wicked or ungodly walk in the counsel of the ungodly and listen to worldly advice, make plans with the wicked, and willfully participate in a sinful way of life.
• Our life gives evidence of our faith and future.

5 Those who are dominated by the sinful nature think about sinful things, but those who are controlled by the Holy Spirit think about things that please the Spirit. 6 So letting your sinful nature control your mind leads to death. But letting the Spirit control your mind leads to life and peace. 7 For the sinful nature is always hostile to God. It never did obey God’s laws, and it never will.  Romans 8:5-7 NLT