I am studying at University of Phoenix, towards a degree in Criminal Justice. One of my elective classes is a class on Religion. This week (November 1, 2016) we are studying on the book of Psalms, Chapter 1, among other things. This is what I had to say about it. I thought it would be a great addition to my teachings here on the site!

 

As a Christian of 33+ years, a 31+ year Gospel Musician, and having had either played on or led worship teams for more than 2 decades, the book of Psalms is pivotal to my spiritual lifestyle. The book of Psalms was David's worshiping God in song (Psalms). Since Chapter 1 of Psalms is only 6 versus long, I will give a breakdown as to my opinion on what each verse reflects...

 

PSALMS CHAPTER 1

1 Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful.

Many believers use this particular passage to tell others to stay out of movies, bars, and other places like that. Jesus himself was around sinners during all of his walk and teachings. If I were a plumber, would I fix the toilets and sinks of only Christians? I wouldn't make much money if that were so. I believe we are to keep a careful guard on our surroundings. Just because I sing karaoke in a bar, doesn't mean I drink at that bar. I do not drink at all. I go in and hang out with Christian friends, and set the best example I can to my non Christian friends.

2 But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night.

This verse tells me that David (as all believers should) had delight in God's law, and enjoyed being a follower of those laws. Meditating in the law day and night could be a persons intimate time with God. In the book of Proverbs 3:6 it says "In all your ways acknowledge HIM, and HE shall direct your paths" I believe this particular Psalm, to be a similar statement. The Proverbs 3:6 verse is on my prosthetic leg, and I try my best to center my walk around that scripture.

3 And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.

This verse tells me that if we root ourselves in God's word, he will help us to grow. We are shaped and molded as Christians by choices we make. In the book of Isaiah 40:8 it states "The grass withers and the flowers fade, but the word of our God stands forever." Again I find this verse to be of similar context. I even use that verse in one of my band's songs from 1985.

4 The ungodly are not so: but are like the chaff which the wind driveth away.

"The Ungodly" could refer to people who completely mock God entirely. I have always grown up being taught that God doesn't hate the sinner, but the sin! We are all sinners, so at some point we are all considered ungodly. It doesn't make us any less loved by God.

5 Therefore the ungodly shall not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous.

Refer to previous statement... And keep in mind that according to scripture: all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23 NAS)

6 For the LORD knoweth the way of the righteous: but the way of the ungodly shall perish.

This one speaks for itself. Again, refer to my previous statement(s) in regards to the ungodly. This verse does not focus on "the ungodly", but on their "ways". The evil and sin we do, the temptations that surround us daily, will parish... They won't be in existence anymore, once we are gone. They may always remain here, and be readily available for people to choose, but, in the afterlife, they are nonexistent.

 

Ultimately, the book of Psalms opens up and reveals the transparency of David's heart. He was referred to by God as a man after God's own heart. David may have done several shady things, including lust and murder as a direct result of that lust.... However, he was an honest man and didn't hide this from God.