This morning we continue our series entitled, “Refined Focus”, with a mini-series within it entitled “Focusing on the Word”. We are walking our way through the first half of the first psalm. Let’s get back to it. The Bible says:
(Psalm 1:1-3 KJV) “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. But his delight is in the law of the Lord; and in his law doth he meditate day and night. 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.”
(Psalm 1:1-3 ERV) “Great blessings belong to those who don’t listen to evil advice, who don’t live like sinners, and who don’t join those who make fun of God. Instead, they love the Lord’s teachings and think about them day and night. So they grow strong, like a tree planted by a stream—a tree that produces fruit when it should and has leaves that never fall. Everything they do is successful.”
Today we will continue to focus in on the line: “his leaf also shall not wither”, or “has leaves that never fall.” Let’s get to it.
So what does this mean to you today? A few things.
1. The Lord has given us a picture of what “right” looks like to Him. The writer of Psalm 1 uses the image of the tree to depict “The Blessed Man”. Let’s recap some of the things this man does:
a. He refuses to accept or apply ungodly advice, because it is contrary to God’s Word.
b. He chooses his friends and associates wisely, only connecting with those who provide the proper influence.
c. He does not join in with anyone who is making a mockery of His God.
d. He chooses to give his attention to the Word of God on a daily basis and he literally meditates/medicates on God’s Word day and night.
e. As a result of his lifestyle and life-choices, this man grows strong and healthy, he lives a fruitful life in the earth (leaving a mark in this world), and everything he does is successful.
*** This is the image the psalmist gives us to strive towards.
2. Giving God’s Word first-place leads to a healthy life.
a. When you choose to abstain from ungodly influences and instead give your attention over to the Word of God day and night, you can’t help but be blessed.
b. When you meditate and medicate on God’s Word day and night you will develop a prosperous soul. Your mind (the way you think), emotions (the way you feel) and will (the way you make decisions) all line up with God. You will have a healthy mind, being able to think sharply and accurately, because your thoughts will align with God’s thoughts. You will have healthy emotions, being able to rule your emotions, not allowing your emotions to rule you; enjoying internal peace when things are going haywire externally. And you have a will that is in-tune and in-sync with God’s will, leading to healthy decisions that produce Godly results.
Closing Confession: Father, this is a season of refined focus for me. I bring my life into focus in 2016 by giving my attention to Your Word. I refuse and reject ungodly counsel. I am led of Your Spirit concerning whom to associate with. I give my attention to Your Word daily. You don’t have to GET my attention, I willingly GIVE it to You. I meditate and medicate on Your Word day and night. I am like the tree the psalmist described. I am planted by the rivers of water. I have a constant supply of what I need to grow. My life produces fruit. I have leaves that do not wither or fall. Everything I do is successful, because my mind, emotions and will are ALL in line with You, Your Word, Your will and Your ways. My mind is alert and sharp, my soul is at peace, I have internal rest, and my will is aligned with Yours. I make decisions that please You every day. Living this way I am healthy inside and out. I declare this by faith! In Jesus’ name. Amen.
This is Today’s Word! Apply it and Prosper.
