Listening the Right Voice
Listening to the voice of God.
Psalm 1-5
“Blessed is the man who does not walk in the way of the ungodly…but his delight is in the law of the Lord.” Psalm 1
The Psalms remain one of the favorite books of the Bible. It is a book that provides comfort in times of difficulty and trials, gives clarity in times of confusion, and serves to expand our view of God. The book invites us to join together with all the angels in singing and proclaiming the praise of God. While other books of the Bible speak to our mind and understanding, the Psalms speak to our heart. It contains the longest chapter in the Bible as well as the shortest chapter. It sits at the center of the Bible, serving to connect us with the person of God and His glory, which is manifested throughout the entire message of Scripture.
The Psalms begin with a call to discover the center point of life. It starts with a call to live in fellowship and obedience to God. Psalm 1 sets the foundation for the worship of God. Worship does not begin with the wonder of God’s universe; it starts by calling us to a life that is centered on the word of God. The Psalm begins with a declaration, “Blessed is the man...” The world blessed (sometimes translated “happy”) is more than just a statement of one who is enjoying life. The word “Blessed” refers to one who has the life to be envied, the one who discovers fulfillment and meaning in life. It is the ultimate expression of success in life in its fullest. The person who is blessed is immune to the trials and struggles of life that destroy joy and wholeness. The blessed person is the one who is envied, for they have the life that we all wish to have.
So, how do we attain this life? Where do we discover the basis for finding a life that is complete and whole? How do we determine what is true in a world of conflicting claims of truth? How do we obtain success in the business of life itself? The Psalmist in Psalm 1 provides the answer. To live a life of meaning, purpose, and fulfillment requires following the right voice, the correct teaching. It begins by determining what our center point is.
A blessed life begins by avoiding the wrong voice. A blessed life starts by first rejecting the path and philosophy of the world. The Psalm beings first with a word of warning. We can miss a blessed life by following the counsel of those who reject God and His Word. To follow the wisdom of the world is to embrace a life that is driven by our circumstances. A person who turns to the wrong source for guidance will be doomed to a life of fear, apprehension, and instability. They have no security, nor any basis for stability. When adversity strikes, there is no hope.
The one who is blessed and secure in life is the one who sets his focus upon the law of God. The law of God, which is grounded in the character of God, is the basis for security in life, for it is God’s truth to humanity. Even when adversity strikes, the person who lives by God’s Word remains secure and unmoved. This person is like a tree that is unthreatened by the most severe drought because their roots are deep and they are near a continual source of water. Life stands or falls based upon the source of wisdom we choose to follow. Do we follow the wisdom of the world, or do we live by the word of God? Where do we turn too for wisdom and instruction for what is right and wrong? Who we follow will determine the outcome and security we obtain in life.
Psalm 1-5
“Blessed is the man who does not walk in the way of the ungodly…but his delight is in the law of the Lord.” Psalm 1
The Psalms remain one of the favorite books of the Bible. It is a book that provides comfort in times of difficulty and trials, gives clarity in times of confusion, and serves to expand our view of God. The book invites us to join together with all the angels in singing and proclaiming the praise of God. While other books of the Bible speak to our mind and understanding, the Psalms speak to our heart. It contains the longest chapter in the Bible as well as the shortest chapter. It sits at the center of the Bible, serving to connect us with the person of God and His glory, which is manifested throughout the entire message of Scripture.
The Psalms begin with a call to discover the center point of life. It starts with a call to live in fellowship and obedience to God. Psalm 1 sets the foundation for the worship of God. Worship does not begin with the wonder of God’s universe; it starts by calling us to a life that is centered on the word of God. The Psalm begins with a declaration, “Blessed is the man...” The world blessed (sometimes translated “happy”) is more than just a statement of one who is enjoying life. The word “Blessed” refers to one who has the life to be envied, the one who discovers fulfillment and meaning in life. It is the ultimate expression of success in life in its fullest. The person who is blessed is immune to the trials and struggles of life that destroy joy and wholeness. The blessed person is the one who is envied, for they have the life that we all wish to have.
So, how do we attain this life? Where do we discover the basis for finding a life that is complete and whole? How do we determine what is true in a world of conflicting claims of truth? How do we obtain success in the business of life itself? The Psalmist in Psalm 1 provides the answer. To live a life of meaning, purpose, and fulfillment requires following the right voice, the correct teaching. It begins by determining what our center point is.
A blessed life begins by avoiding the wrong voice. A blessed life starts by first rejecting the path and philosophy of the world. The Psalm beings first with a word of warning. We can miss a blessed life by following the counsel of those who reject God and His Word. To follow the wisdom of the world is to embrace a life that is driven by our circumstances. A person who turns to the wrong source for guidance will be doomed to a life of fear, apprehension, and instability. They have no security, nor any basis for stability. When adversity strikes, there is no hope.
The one who is blessed and secure in life is the one who sets his focus upon the law of God. The law of God, which is grounded in the character of God, is the basis for security in life, for it is God’s truth to humanity. Even when adversity strikes, the person who lives by God’s Word remains secure and unmoved. This person is like a tree that is unthreatened by the most severe drought because their roots are deep and they are near a continual source of water. Life stands or falls based upon the source of wisdom we choose to follow. Do we follow the wisdom of the world, or do we live by the word of God? Where do we turn too for wisdom and instruction for what is right and wrong? Who we follow will determine the outcome and security we obtain in life.
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