Psalm 1, a Beatitude

Psalm 1

Blessed is the man who walks not...
but his delight is in the law of the LORD,
and on his law he meditates day and night. 

The first word of the book of Psalms is "Blessed."  Blessed is the person who...  then the psalm lays out two ways: the way of the blessed, "righteous" person and the way of the "wicked" person.

And at heart, at the beginning of these 150 offerings, it concerns what or whom we listen to, consult, rely on, or are influenced by.  And moreso, blessed is the person who meditates on God's Word day and night - who reflects on it, mulls it over, questions it, delights in it, and applies it.

"Law" here is that word "torah", which really means something more like the "teaching of the LORD" or the "guidance" or "way" or as Christians often say, the "Word" of the LORD.  It includes the laws of God, but moreso, it includes at least the whole story of God from Creation to the end of the whole exodus and wilderness story (the end of Deuteronomy) - which begins as a story of blessing, and continues as such, God's desire and determination for his whole creation to flourish and be fruitful in trusting, faithful relationship with God.

Also, this "beatitude" (Blessed is the one who...) speaks of the general grace and happiness in the Lord that accompanies this way, as opposed to the other way; there are resources available to you, your trust and sense of security and well-being are enhanced in this way; you will avoid the traps and pains that accompany the way of selfishness, sin, pride, etc.  I don't believe it's saying "if you meditate on God's Word this morning and this evening, you will be blessed a good day..."

He is like a tree planted by streams of water...
not like
the chaff that the winds drives away...

There is a deep and refreshing grounding for us, for good times and difficult times, as we seek connection with the One who made us, who loves us, who delivers us from all that "enslaves" us, and who cares about our lives.

Right at the beginning of the Psalms there is this encouragement, and this vision, to meditate day and night on what the Creator and Redeemer has said and is saying.  Day and night.  Continually.  Connected.  Listening.  Leaning in.  Pliable. Teachable.  Trusting.  Abiding.