Do you feel that your life has taken a wrong direction?
When you find that life has taken you on an unexpected, unpleasant path, you can feel overwhelmed with disappointment and doubt.
And the desperate questions begin.
“Is this really how my life is turning out?”
“How did I end up here? Why?”
“Is this the life God actually planned for me?”
You aren’t alone. You happen to be in very good company.
Other disappointed, disillusioned, hurting people have blazed the way ahead of you. And the victorious ones have left a treasure trove of important lessons to live by. Wisdom was extracted from their own painful processes of understanding life, and the God who chose them for the journey.
King David of Israel was one such victorious individual. Strong, capable and courageous, he proved to be a mighty warrior from an early age, long before his kingly reign.
But there was this other side of David, that he didn’t reveal to just anyone. He struggled with fear, and with faith. He made some doozy mistakes, and then beat himself up over them. He was discouraged, he was depressed—
He was just like you and me.
And his greatest victories weren’t revealed in his role as David the king, or even David the warrior. They are revealed to us through David the poet. David the musician. David the song writer.
It is in reading the tender psalms of David, that our hearts resonate with the depths of his searching soul. His cries, as he attempted to comprehend his world around him. And his struggle to trust in God—who would prove Himself faithful, over and over again.
With all that David left for us to discover, there is this certain gem of scripture that seems to set the stage for all other psalms which would follow. It is Psalm One. How fitting that it would be the first, because it appears to serve as a framework—a starting-over point for anyone on their journey.
Applying these principles of wisdom will create a new place to begin again—right here, right now—at this very place you find yourself.
Stay a while, and learn from the wisdom of David, the king of Israel. Let his words renew your troubled mind, strengthen your resolve, and amaze you with God’s grace—as He redirects you to find all and everything you must be.
– Psalm One –
1) Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful.
2) But his delight is in the law of the Lord; and in his law doth he meditate day and night.
3) And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.
4) The ungodly are not so: but are like the chaff which the wind driveth away.
5) Therefore the ungodly shall not stand in the judgement, not sinners in the congregation of the righteous.
6) For the Lord knoweth the way of the righteous: but the way of the ungodly shall perish.
Wisdom: Walk Well.
“Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly…”
The psalm’s first promise is clear, right from its beginning: the person who heeds David’s warnings will be blessed. The Hebrew word for “blessed” is what we would expect it to mean: true happiness, or contentment. To feel cared for by God, and bestowed with favor from God.
David’s statement seems plain enough. But this particular Hebrew word for “walk,” is not as specific as others. It does mean to go, or to move, but does not specify any particular direction. In this psalm, “walk” seems to be more about the attitude of the word, rather than the action. Or, the motives of a walk, instead of a particular journey.
“Counsel” is the next key word. The Hebrew word for “counsel” means advice or plans—again, this particular word implies attitude, because advice or plans have been sought out. Linked to this word is another Hebrew word, which means to deliberate, or to resolve. This word suggest answers are being found, or agreed upon.
If we can combine these meanings of these Hebrew words, we get something like this:
“If I have the attitude that I should seek the unbelieving world’s advice on how I should live, and if I agree with their advice or plans, I will be led away from following and finding God’s intended purposes.”
It makes perfect sense.
The world doesn’t believe in following Christ. They don’t believe where they came from. And they don’t understand where they’re going.
If you rely on their advice, you’ll soon be walking in endless circles—instead of following that meaningful path, planned and purposed by God, just for you
Jesus answered, Are there not twelve hours in the day? If any man walk in the day, he stumbleth not, because he seeth the light of this world. But if a man not walk in the night, he stumbleth, because there is no light in him.
(John 11:9-10)
Everyone has choices. There are plenty of opportunities to walk in the light of God’s day. But if someone chooses to walk in the darkness, they will eventually reap the consequences. Stumbling and wrong directions. Snares of sin. Missed opportunities.
It’s all because of choosing a counselor of unreliable thinking or reasoning, instead of walking the light of God’s truth. Life really is like a road. Right walking is determined by right thinking, and being able to see well.
Wisdom: Take the Right Stand.
“…nor standeth in the way of sinners…”
The Hebrew defines the meaning for the word “stand” as: to stand still, or to stand upright. It also means, to take a stand. A stance—taking a position—like that of a soldier at his post. Again, the attitude or the motive of what someone truly believes comes forward in this verse.
Taking the world’s stance on an issue would certainly confuse any Christian’s thinking. To simply be convinced, or even adamant about issues in life, isn’t the same as right thinking based on God’s truth.
Having a positive attitude is a popular thing nowadays. But a positive attitude alone—apart from the Light of our Lord to guide us—too often proves to be positively wrong.
The second key word here is “way”. The Hebrew word for “way” means: a road or pathway, or journey. This implies a path that is a means to an end, and has a destination. That gives us plenty to chew on, but there is more. The word also means, a manner—a way of conducting oneself on their journey.
Again, it is about the attitude and motive. If we tie these meanings of “stand” and “way” together, we are able to complete a thought process:
“If I take a stance or position of siding with ungodly values, practices, or processes for my life, I will soon be unable to successfully distinguish between right and wrong.”
No one can really “play it both ways”. I will either side with God’s way of doing and thinking, or I will side with the world’s way—and life becomes a blur of confusion.
Compromising God’s truth for something less is like losing part of your identity in Christ.
There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death
(Proverbs 14:12)
Many things seem right or worthwhile at first glance. Many religious organizations represent themselves with piety, good family values, and enlightened programs. But they are shams—cheap imitations that forego the Gospel and the Word of God, and it’s life-saving truth.
How can you navigate a world filled with such fallacies and misrepresentations? You can’t—unless you know God’s weapon of truth—the Holy Bible. Then, if something you see or hear doesn’t line up with biblical truth, you can move on. Or even better, expose it for what it really is.
The truth of God’s word—our one and only Holy standard—is what we should be standing in, and taking a stand for.
Wisdom: Sit With the Winning Team.
“…nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful.”
The Hebrew word for “sit” means to dwell, abide, inhabit, or remain in—to make one’s abode, or home. It also means to settle down. That seems pretty straightforward. But our next word, “seat,” throws a different light on things.
“Seat” means a population—a place where people gather or dwell. This “seat” could be found in a certain situation or time frame, or possibly the whole of society.
Our third and final key word, “scornful” is even more interesting. Someone who is “scornful” is a mocker—someone who regards the things of God with disdain and ridicule. But this word also means someone who interprets or translates things a certain way, and then teaches others to believe as they do—an ambassador of scorn.
Again, let’s attempt to bring these Hebrew words together to form a thought:
“If I take a seated position (implying agreement) within the unbelieving world, and if I attempt to interpret life from the perspective of the ever-changing world views, I will have constant conflict.”
The fallen world has a tough time with absolutes or values, because their standards are constantly shifting—like sand.
Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock: And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock.
(Matt. 7:24-25)
Sand is a beautiful thing—on a beach. But it doesn’t make a very good foundation material. You wouldn’t build your house on sand—not without a lot of added concrete. Imagine your life being built upon such an unreliable substance!
Sand, by its very nature is moveable, erodible, and unsure. When the tests of life (the storms) come, as they inevitably do, the sand gives way. This is the “seat” (the position) of the “scornful,” supposing they can reinterpret messages and meanings to fit their own skewed intentions.
But God’s truth proves solid as a rock. It eternally outlasts any and all misinterpretations . And those storms of life only serve to polish that solid rock of God’s immovable truth.
Wisdom: Delight in the Word of God.
“But his delight is in the law of the Lord;“
The Hebrew meaning for “delight” means pleasure, value, purpose, or desire. I couldn’t have said it any better myself. It seems to beg the question, “what do I seek after and treasure the most?” Find the courage to ask yourself that question.
Maybe you’re a lot like me. I’ve been a Christian for many years. And I always loved and respected God’s word.
But I didn’t always read it.
I was “busy” living my “busy” life, so I’d catch a good sermon once a week at church, maybe another on TV, and possibly a few quick verses just before bedtime. I was raised in church, and was a Bible college graduate—and had convinced myself that I knew “enough.”
But what I didn’t understand then, is that just having a familiarity with scripture isn’t the same thing as having the word hidden in my heart.
Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.
(Psalm 119:11)
Now—thankfully—I get it. And I can tell you that there is no delight as sweet as taking in God’s Word, and letting it burrow deep down into your heart. Not only is it possible, but it is a necessary survival skill against Sin. And like most things important enough to pursue, it is a process.
So why wait? Have a little sit down with your Bible and with God—today—and ask Him to give you the desire, the delight and the welcoming heart. If you honestly can, this can become a starting point—a “reset” for your life. I promise.
Wisdom: Keep God’s Word in Your Head.
“and in his law doth he meditate day and night.”
I understand what you may be thinking. (Remember, I was the guy who was so “busy,” with an overrated sense of myself.)
“Meditate? Who’s got time to sit around and do that?”
Time. Everything we do in life requires a decision as to what we choose to expend our time on—to immerse ourselves in one enterprise, and to forsake another. The choices are certainly ours to make. But we must also be willing to accept the outcomes.
The Hebrew word for “meditate” means to think about—to ponder on, or imagine. Surprisingly, “meditate” also means to mutter or murmur about something—either out of pleasure, or of anger—even to moan, or growl. What?
Evidently, to “meditate” doesn’t mean to sit passively posed with my legs crossed—and it sure means a whole lot more than casually reminiscing over some particular point I picked up from a sermon.
These Hebrew meanings suggest so much more than a surfacy, casual reflection—they sound more like an internal struggle of faith. Anger suggests a sore displeasure. Murmuring sounds like some underlying disagreement. To utter, or moan, or even to growl speaks more of a hot debate with myself (or with God) over some hard hitting topic that’s bothering my soul.
And that is the beauty of God’s own Word. It never leaves you where you are. It always challenges, chastises, and changes those who have an ear to hear it.
It holds us and molds us into what we truly need to become—the person God desires for us to become. It produces a reality of God’s truth to any open heart.
That is, unless we are unwilling to listen, to learn, or to be changed into that freedom-filled image of Christ Jesus.
Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer.
(Psalm 19:14)
This is the choice we all share—to face the truth of God’s word—or to avoid it, ignore it, and attempt to live apart from it.
But God is such a good Father. He’d much rather have us argue some point with Him, even fight it out with Him, than to just pretend His words don’t apply to us. He’d rather have you shake a fist toward Heaven, than to just dismiss Him as unimportant.
So He’s certainly going to be patient with us through the process.
Meditating on God’s word “day and night” should never be viewed as a life sentence. Rather, let it become a life style—a life process. Think about the Word of God. Begin making it a practice to apply it to every thought in your mind, and every situation in your life. It is such a privilege to ponder the very thoughts, words, and will of the Almighty God.
Wisdom: Do These Things, and You Will Truly Live.
“And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.”
I grew up in the Mojave’ desert in southern California. And I can tell you that it’s hot—and dry. Really, really dry. Trees don’t naturally grow there. The trees that are there were purposely planted and cared for, or they wouldn’t have survived that harsh climate.
King David also knew plenty about his desert region. No doubt, he had witnessed some certain tree—by a mountain stream, or maybe by the Jordan River—that didn’t just survive, but abounded.
A tree like that would flourish, even in an arid land, because it had found its source of strength and abundance. An unfailing supply. A tree like that would have strength to bear fruit in its season, to keep its leaves, and to grow strong and tall—despite the challenges it might encounter. That life-giving, abundant source of strength would make all the difference.
Really, God chooses where every tree will grow. Could it be that He also chooses where each of us might stand or fall, depending upon our life choices?
You and I, and everyone must face the same critical questions.
Which team am I “sitting” with?
Is my “walk” of life based more upon ungodly advice, principles and examples, than on God’s word?
Is the “stand” I take (my attitudes and actions) more influenced by the world around me, or by the words of my Creator, who made my world?
Do I judge the circumstances of my life through the lens of the world’s views, values, and interpretations? Or do I rely on God’s trustworthy instructions to be the standard for my decisions?
Are my roots of faith planted deep and deliberate, immersed in God’s cleansing and sustaining water source of truth? Or am I too far away from the source to survive?
The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD: and he delighteth in his way.
(Psalm 37:23)
I love good questions, because they always deserve really good answers. Thankfully, you know where to find them, right now—in God’s precious, life-giving source of truth.
Go and find it. Face it. Even fight for it, if you have to. Just don’t pass it by.
And with prayer and practice, you will soon discover that you “delight” in it.
Yes—more than your busy schedule, or the newest trends, or social media, sports, or even the politics of the day. The pastimes of your world can be very entertaining.
They just aren’t life-giving.
Only the light of God’s eternal words of truth can really keep you, or me, or anyone from walking, standing, or sitting in those wrong places of life.
Think about this—this wisdom that David found.
Because you need it to begin again.
This is your life. Your walk. Your journey.
Purpose to do it with wisdom—and to do it well.