Abundant Life

In this life we have two ways before us. Some would choose to believe that a middle ground exists between the two extremes, but Jesus makes it clear in Matthew 7 that our choice is between two ways only. One way is broad and leads to destruction. The other is narrow and leads to life. In Psalm 1 the Psalmist illustrates these two ways. He compares and contrasts the lifestyle choices of the ungodly man with those of the righteous man. C.H. Spurgeon tells us that the desire of the Psalmist was to teach us the way to blessedness and to warn us of the sure destruction of sinners. It is, therefore, an important Psalm on which to meditate.                          

The ungodly man walks according to the counsel of the wicked, according to the advice of those who live in sin, of those who do not seek God, but rather challenge Him. He is first influenced by their ways, but then becomes committed as he accepts their choices and stands with them in the path of sinners. He falls further when he fully identifies with them and finally sits among them in the seat of scoffers. As Jeremiah 17:5 says, he trusts in mankind and makes flesh his strength. He turns away from the Lord.

His godless lifestyle will result in his destruction. Before the Lord, his life will be completely worthless, like chaff that is driven away by the wind. He will not stand in the judgment to receive a crown of reward. Because his choice in life was to sit in the seat of scoffers, he will not be invited to seat among God’s people in the assembly of the righteous. He will not be known by God, nor will his way be known. Instead, he will perish and his way with him.

In contrast, the lifestyle of the righteous man is built on the foundation of God’s Word. The righteous man delights and finds pleasure in the Word of God. Indeed, he meditates on it day and night. It is his desire to ponder and speak God’s Words throughout his day. When he falls, he will not be hurled headlong, because the Lord is the One who holds his hand (Psalm 37:24). As Jeremiah 17:7 states, he puts his trust in the Lord and therefore he need not be anxious in the year of drought. He is blessed by God with a spiritual and emotional joy and contentment that will not be taken away.

The righteous man receives this joy and contentment because he has chosen to live a God-centered life. He will be like a tree planted by streams of water, a tree that extends its roots and drinks in the living Word of God. He will yield his fruit in season and his leaves will be full and green. He will be prosperous in all that he does, not because he is so very capable, but because he trusts in the Lord and His promises. He will be known by God because he has lived his life to know God and to walk in His ways. The righteous man illustrates for us the abundant life worth living, the life that leads to blessedness.