Daily Devotional • Psalm 1:1

Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers….

- Psalm 1:1

Is it any wonder that the Psalmist begins with "Blessed is the man."

Psalm means "praises," and Psalm 1 is just that — praise from a man chosen and blessed by God.

Of course, it can be no other way, for it is only the "Blessed man" who can truly praise God.

"Blessed" means favored: a man who is happy in the sight of God.

The Psalmist is describing the character and conduct of the chosen and happy man.

What are his character and conduct?

He begins with," Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the ungodly."

The ungodly are always willing to counsel the godly.

• Job's wife was ever-ready with faithless counsel.
• Saul had flawed and unwise advice for David.
• Potiphar's wife had conjured up a trifling scheme.
• Pilate sought to persuade Jesus.

Since creation, Satan has always offered fictitious and fabricated words.

The ungodly are always willing to counsel the godly.

Too often, believers are eager to listen — look no further than Eve in the garden as living proof.

What about you? How often have you regulated your life by the advice and suggestions of ungodly friends and relatives?

How many of you turn to pagan scholars and philosophers for self-help and advice?

How many of your churches employ more "Harvard business strategies" than they do "Holy Ghost Power?"

You need to recognize that all day long you are making decisions.

How should you run your business? What will bring you success in your career? How should you manage your finances? What about friendships, dating, and marriage? How should you decorate your home? What will you wear? How should you eat? Where will your children go to school?

All day long, you are making decisions.

Who or what guides your thought process? Where do you turn for wisdom and instruction?

The "blessed man" "does not walk in the counsel of the wicked," no matter how plausible it sounds, no matter how good the intention, the Blessed man shuns it.

Why? Because Divine grace has taught him that he has something infinitely better to direct his way.

God has given him a Divine revelation — unerring wisdom that is suited to his every need, wisdom designed as a "lamp for his feet and a light for his path."

Your prayer this morning, "God, I surrender to your counsel. May your word guide me, and your Son lead me."

Press on,
Pastor Chris