Psalm 1

Happy are those who do not follow the advice of the wicked or take the path that sinners tread or sit in the seat of scoffers, but their delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law they meditate day and night.

They are like trees planted by streams of water, which yield their fruit in its season, and their leaves do not wither. In all that they do, they prosper.

The wicked are not so but are like chaff that the wind drives away. Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgment nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous, for the Lord watches over the way of the righteous, but the way of the wicked will perish.

As we read this Psalm, who wouldn’t want to be like a tree.  They are planted by streams of water where they are nourished and grow.  They yield fruit and prosper.  Those who delight in the law of the Lord are like such trees.  In contrast, the wicked wither and perish.  The choice seems simple and clear; we should seek to follow God’s law rather than the path of the sinner.  Yet, life is not always that simple and clear.  In this season of Advent, we are bombarded with a cacophony of noise (buy this, do this, go here, act like this, you would be happier if you only bought this…etc.).  The noise and distractions of the season can make it hard to make the simple and clear choice.  God’s path is often hard to follow despite it being a season of preparation centered on the birth of Jesus Christ.  Let’s take time today to slow down and to quiet our spirit.  May we take a moment to pause and make sure that we are attuned to God’s law, love, and path, so that we may prosper and bloom like the trees by the water.

Prayer

Holy God, we rejoice at the gift of Your law and love.  Help us to listen to Your call in our life and strengthen us to follow Your ways.  Bless our endeavors so that we may yield fruit that is pleasing to You. Amen.