“PSALM 1”



PSALM 1

Psalm 1:1-12

Summer of Psalms Message Series

June 11, 2017

Pastor Nathan J. Thompson

These coming weeks of June & July we are going to focus on the Old Testament book of Psalms—on the things the specific writers of these Psalms are experiencing/communicating; on how each Psalm speaks to many of the feelings and emotions people continue to face today.

It is important to note that the Old Testament is made up of 3-fundamental kinds of materials. Dr. James Lindberg (Luther Seminary) lists these three: 1) Stories passed on from generation to generation about what God has done; includes Creation, Patriarchs, Judges, Kings.

2) Prophetic writings/literature. Bible prophets from Isaiah to Malachi are called to proclaim the words that God has spoken to them. Prophets basically remind the people of God's message--they chastise; speak words of hope; predict (warn about) things that may lie ahead.

3) The third kind of Bible materials are the Psalms/Wisdom writings. These writings are people’s response to what God is doing (has done) among them. They include praise; lament; reflection; poetry; hymns; advice. They include books like Psalms; Job; Ecclesiastes; Proverbs.

These particular writings are especially filled with lots of emotions (expressions). Most of the Psalms are addressed directly to God—they often begin, “Oh God…” They openly express (shout out) feelings of frustration; anger; despair; joy; even giddiness.

The great thing about the Book of Psalms is that they can be very helpful for you if you are ever having trouble expressing some of your own feelings. They often describe the life experiences you may be going through. They are often very honest and blunt.

Another important thing for you to know about the Psalms is that a number of these writings began to be used at that time in history in worship services and community events. They began to function as the first hymnbook; prayer-book; worship outline.

Musicians also began putting music with instruments to many of the Psalmists words. In fact some of the most well loved hymns (songs) have used the words of the Psalms as the text. In the same way song writers today continue to find new inspiration from them for all kinds of music.

So let us consider Psalm 1. One of the greatest things about the Psalms (along with lots of other Biblical writings) is that they often used images (visual pictures) to highlight their message of truth. Jesus of course was a master of telling stories using word pictures.

Psalm 1 then uses the image of a tree; it portrays this tree as a picture of your life. It proclaims that your life can be like this tree—rooted; productive; flexible; truly alive; filled with beauty. It can be a tree that bears abundant and wonderful fruit.

It is important to remember that very first word in the whole book of Psalms is “blessed,” or as some translations state “happy.” Happiness of course is pretty much a universal goal in this world today. Individuals long for (desire; crave) a life that is blessed with love; joy: peace.

It is important to note that the Psalmist in talking about happiness begins with three negatives. He declares that happy and blessed people are ones who do not follow the advice of wicked people; who do not take the paths that sinners take; who do not associate with cynics (the scoffers; those who mock others).

It is clear from the Psalmist that a happy (blessed life) is often dependent on the influences of exactly who people hang around; from the attitude and example of others. It’s truly difficult to be positive (hopeful) about life if you’re hanging around negative people.

My first years of pastoral ministry were spent in the small farming community of Maynard, MN; this was during the major farm crisis of the late 70’s/early 80’s. Lots of farmers and their families were suffering under the tough economy. Depression was affecting many along with broken marriages; anger; sometimes suicide.

I remember going to a meeting sponsored by LSS that was for farmers: spouses; their pastors. In the middle of one of the presentations the speaker ( a counselor/therapist) told these farmers that if they were hanging around negative (hopeless) people it was time to “change coffee shops.”

This (counselor/therapist) said that when a person is going through challenges; when circumstances are pulling them down; it is important that they hang around people who can lift them up rather than drag them down. It is important to be planted among caring people.

The Psalmist then makes the point that those who are truly happy (who know true blessedness) are those who delight in the Lord’s teachings; who “meditate on his law day and night.” Truth is that those who follow God’s laws and teachings are truly happy.

Very often today individuals are tempted to believe that God (his church) are old fashioned and boring. Society and the present day world promise that their ways bring real fun and laughter. They want you to believe that making “you & yourself” satisfied is what happiness is all about.

God on the other hand shows a better way. The Bible teaches that a life centered in loving God above all things and loving our neighbors as ourselves; a life found in giving up one’s life in sacrificial service to another; that is a life that is truly happy and blessed.

On the other side the Psalmist spells out the way to unhappiness and death. The picture he sets forth of a wicked person is that they are like chaff. In threshing grain of course the chaff (the outer hull of the grain) is blown away and scattered while the kernel remains.

The Psalmist explains that those who live wicked lives (contrary to God’s will/purposes) will not be able to stand in the judgment on the last day. He is proclaiming in very plain language that there are consequences (judgment) for those who reject God.

However the good news is that the “the Lord watches over the way of the righteous.” This theme of “two ways” often appears in the Psalms. These two ways are often presented in contrasts—“The Lord watches over the way of the righteous, but the way of the wicked will be destroyed.”

God's truth is that there is only one viable option—the true way that leads to life. Jesus said in John 14:6, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” Jesus is definitely the only way to true life and true happiness.

This morning think of yourself (your life) as a tree. What kind of tree are you? Are you growing strong like an oak; beautiful like a blossoming cherry tree; fruitful like an apple tree filled with fruit? What kind of tree are you growing as and becoming?

Planting a tree of course involves a number of important factors for it to grow large and strong. Back when one of our children was in middle school they brought home one Arbor Day a pine tree sprig we could plant.

Attempting to be responsible parents we went out and dutifully planted this sprig in our backyard. Yet the problem was that our soil is very sandy. Also we planted it where there wasn’t much sun to help it grow. Yet the worst thing was we neglected to take care of it.

This tree you can surely imagine never grew very well. Amazingly it did stay alive however after more than 10 years it hadn’t grown more than two feet tall. Finally we simply dug it up and threw it away. There seemed to be no hope that it might grow into a large and beautiful tree.

In the same way your growth as an individual is also influenced by the soil in which you are planted; by whether there are Godly influences around you. As good as television (media/internet) can be they can also be a bad influence on your growth as a person. They can surround you with negative (hurtful) images that can tear you down.

However Godly influences can be strengthened in you through being faithful in worship; through studying the Bible; through taking time for prayer; through being part of an authentic Christian small group community. These influences can help you stay on the right path; they can help you grow strong in God's truth and love.

Your growth as individuals is also influenced by the nourishment that is going on inside of you. Just like the sap (nutrients) in a tree’s roots (trunk/branches) so your life grows and bears fruit as you are nurtured in faith; in forgiveness; in hope. God wants to produce good fruit in you.

Finally your growth as a person needs to look to the future. What kind of tree do you dream and envision for yourself? Stephen Covey wrote in his books that it is only as you have a vision (a goal) for what you want to become as a person that you can set forth steps (milestones) to pursue in order to get to that vision.

The Psalmist says “the Lord watches over the righteous; but the way of the wicked will be destroyed.” What is your destiny? Let your vision be one that wants to follow the way of the righteous; that wants to bear abundant fruit for Jesus. That way leads to true happiness.

My prayer is that your life will be truly blessed; be truly happy. May you then in turn truly be a blessing to others.

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