Blessedness

June 1, 2020

“Blessed is the man 

Who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly, 

Nor stands in the path of sinners, 

Nor sits in the seat of the scornful; 

But his delight is in the law of the LORD, 

And in His law he meditates day and night. 

He shall be like a tree Planted by the rivers of water, 

That brings forth its fruit in its season, 

Whose leaf also shall not wither; 

And whatever he does shall prosper.”

—Psalm 1:1-3 NKJV

It is amazing the number of people who are glued to their televisions and computers during this pandemic. Listening to the news, one would think nothing else in the world is happening, and being stuck at home, people are listening to the news 24/7, either broadcast or online, and almost all of it is fear mongering. If we fail to wear masks or social distance we could be responsible for someone getting sick and dying. If we open businesses too soon, or if schools open in the fall, we could be in for a second wave, worse than the first. It’s no wonder people are nervous and uneasy. Add in the recent death of Mr. Floyd and the protests and ensuing violence, and it’s no wonder people are worried and fearful. 

When watching the news is the first thing we do in the morning and the last thing we do at night, we are doing the very thing this very first psalm tells us not to do. We are walking in the counsel of the ungodly, standing in the path of sinners, and sitting in the seat of the scornful. Note the progression: walking, standing, sitting. The more we tune in to this stuff, the more comfortable we get with it. There is no blessing in such behavior. We may pat ourselves on the back for not actually being on the streets throwing bricks at store windows, setting fire to buildings, or looting, but when it comes to having a healthy soul, vicariously participating in such things is just as damaging as if we were there in person. What we take in affects us, which is why we are told instead to delight in and meditate on the law of God. 

Sending down roots into the old news of this world is like trying to grow in a desert. Planting ourselves in the Garden of God’s Word is the only way to blossom and bear fruit that nourishes the soul. We become like whatever we worship, whatever we set our attention upon:

“The idols of the nations are silver and gold, 

The work of men’s hands. 

They have mouths, but they do not speak; 

Eyes they have, but they do not see; They have ears, but they do not hear; 

Nor is there any breath in their mouths. 

Those who make them are like them; So is everyone who trusts in them.”

—Psalm 135:15-18 NKJV

Notice the last sentence. If I set my attention upon the things of this world, I will become as jaded, worried, and hopeless as those we are watching. Only when I focus on God my Savior do I find hope and rest. Only then does my spirit flourish.