Today's Verse - Psalm 1:4

Not so the wicked! They are like chaff that the wind blows away.

—Psalm 1:4

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

We have spent time in Psalm 1 for the last several days. We looked at those whose delight is in the LORD. Today, we focus on the end of those who resist the will and way of God and choose the way of evil. No matter the temporary apparent benefits of wicked schemes and the power of evil, all their efforts are marred by a hellish influence that ends at the grave. All their efforts are blown away, leaving each of the wicked with nothing to show for their life except the rot of wasted time on earth as they stand before the righteousness and justice of God. Only finding our delight in the way, will, and words of God will lead us to life everlasting and unending joy!

My Prayer...

Dear Father, please help me resist the temptation to idolize and exalt those who succeed through evil devices, schemes, methods, and plans. I ask the Holy Spirit to guide my heart as I seek your Kingdom and righteousness above all other things. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.

All scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan Publishing House.

Today's Verse - Psalm 1:3

He is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither. Whatever he does prospers.

—Psalm 1:3

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

Some kinds of earthly delight can feed our hearts briefly, but when difficulties come, our hearts will wither in the drought of life's most challenging times. However, delighting in the LORD and in his will for us provides us with ongoing and ever-fresh joy that bubbles up within us and gives us life through the Holy Spirit (John 7:37-39). Out of this lifestyle and grace from God's Spirit — a life centered on God and his word while trusting his Spirit to supply our hearts with his truth — we can prosper in the short term and discover refreshment, strength, and resiliency to not wither in life's worst droughts.

My Prayer...

Dear God, Holy One of heaven, I delight in you and your truths. I find refreshment in your abiding Spirit. I choose the truth of your promise for refreshment and strength for the challenging passages in life and for bearing fruit in the seasons that you seek it from me. In Jesus' name, I trust, and I pray this in faith. Amen.

All scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan Publishing House.

Today's Verse - Psalm 1:1-2

Blessed is the one... whose delight is in the law of the LORD, and who meditates on his law day and night.

—Psalm 1:1-2

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

Delight! Ah, what a wonderful word and an even more meaningful experience. But do you find delight in the truth and law of the LORD? What holy things of the Father in heaven hold your thoughts throughout the day? Why not join me in putting more of God's word into your head through memorization and hiding it in your heart through prayerful Bible contemplation? During those sleepless moments in the night, those restless concerns during traffic jams or lines, and those anxious moments waiting to see someone special or deal with something important, we can meditate on the words and truth of God. With the Holy Spirit's help, we can even find delight in what can be troublesome times!

My Prayer...

Father in heaven, you are holy and righteous in all of your ways. I confess, dear LORD, that I do not always make the most of my thought time. I often let my mind drift away into areas I shouldn't explore. I will occasionally get too focused on inconsequential things. I allow my thoughts to drift into anxious worries about things I cannot control. I want my mind and heart to be tuned by the Holy Spirit to your truth by using your Word to help me know your will and find your way to your peace. Give me true wisdom, enlightened by your Spirit, to see, know, absorb, and contemplate the things closest to your heart and found in your holy Scriptures. In Jesus' name, I ask this. Amen.

All scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan Publishing House.