Introduction

‘Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked or stand in the way that sinners take or sit in the company of mockers, but whose delight is in the law of the LORD, and who meditates on his law day and night. That person is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither—whatever they do prospers.’ Psalm 1:1-3

The Bereans were commended for being of more noble character than those of Thessalonica because they searched the scriptures daily.

According to Psalm 119:1-2 ‘Blessed are those whose ways are blameless, who walk according to the law of the Lord. Blessed are those who keep His statutes and seek Him with all their hearts’.

True happiness is embedded in meditating on God’s words regularly as it is a veritable way of seeking the Lord and it provides a sound basis for applying the principles of God’s words to one’s life thus helping one to walk and live in a manner that is pleasing to God.

When Joshua was commissioned to lead Israel after the death of Moses, he was told not to disregard the book of God’s law, but to ensure that he meditated in it on a daily basis as this was to guarantee him success in his role. To love God is to love His words. To live a fulfilled life is to live according to God’s words.

The first chapter of the Psalms expresses the blessedness of the person whose delight is in God’s law. This individual meditates daily on the words of God. His fruitfulness (or accomplishment) is likened to a tree planted by the streams of water.

This implies that this blessed man or woman of God is constantly connected to the Source of life and blessedness and just as the tree that is close to the streams of water never lacks, the blessed one of God will never be lacking in any spiritual virtue. Let us therefore choose today to look constantly into the perfect law of liberty.

‘Be strong and courageous, because you will lead these people to inherit the land I swore to their ancestors to give them. ‘Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the law my servant Moses gave you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, that you may be successful wherever you go. Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful.’ Joshua 1:6-8

Prayer

Thank You holy Father for Your life giving words. Please help us every day to meditate on them, taking full advantage of the unfailing guidance You richly provide us through these ancient words long preserved.