Adelphos

This Psalm compares the ungodly with the blessed, righteous man. When I read this I imagine a faithful man working in a setting surrounded by ungodly (My first thought was a Wall Street investment banker). The Psalm starts by calling the man “blessed” which tells me the man is not only happy/satisfied but set apart by God as closer to Him. The man is surrounded by sin constantly. One day he might be pulled into conversation with the scornful. Another day he may be receiving “wisdom” from a hateful person. What should he do? For one, he distances himself from these people. He doesn’t sit in their communities or walks in their council. He’s separate. How does he do this? The Psalm doesn’t say he does it by his own will, but rather “in His las he meditates day and night.” God’s word equips the man with the ability to remain separate from the sinners, not the man’s own efforts. Look at the results: the man is at peace. The verses here just sound peaceful. A tree by water, bearing fruit. The mind paints a great picture. The man grows because of his walk with God and His word. Why does the Psalm end circling back to the ungodly? Maybe the author was journaling in a time where he was surrounded by evil. Maybe it’s a reminder that those around him may seem to flourish, but at the end of the day will wither to nothing without God. Call to action: meditate in God’s Word. Meditate in Christ. Remember that walking with Him, not the world is lasting.

– BEAU