Well faithful reader: we did it! Today we complete our walk through the Bible as we consider Psalm 1. I saved this for last because it contrasts the life lived apart from the Word of God with the life that is lived according to the Word of God. Note in 1:1 that blessing is pronounced on those who do not do what is described here. The wicked, sinners, and scoffers are all the same people. What’s important is the sequence of actions. First, a sinner walks in a way contrary to God. Then, he stops there. He becomes stuck – unmoving – in his sin. Finally, he gets comfortable in his sin. We walks in it. He stands in it. He then sits in it. This is how sin gets a hold of even those who follow Christ.

So what is the solution? How do we avoid this happening to us? We delight in the Word of God (v. 2). At all times, the Word of God is in our thoughts. We ponder it; how to live it out. This is how we gain the blessing of overcoming the power of sin. We are like a tree planted near a stream (v 3). Note the similarities between this description and the Tree of Life we just read about in Revelation. This is the life we have in the Word. In all that we do according to the Word we prosper.

By contrast, the wicked (the sinners and the scoffers) will come to an end like chaff in the wind (v. 4). This is speaking of the final judgment. There is a direct correlation between living apart from the Word and the final state of the wicked. So too, there is a direct correlation between those that persevere unto salvation and their life in the Word. We will be able to stand in the judgment that we just read about in Revelation (v. 5). We will be part of the congregation of the righteous – the heavenly Jerusalem.

But notice how this Psalm ends. There are the blessed, firm in the Word, and there are the wicked who, apart from the Word, become comfortable in their sin. The Lord knows the way of the righteous who are firm in the Word (v. 6). And it is not the way of sinners (v. 1, 6). Their way is the way to death. The Lord knows our way. He has prescribed our way, and He knows those who walk in His ways. And His ways are found only in His Word.

Brothers and sisters, we have now walked through the whole of God’s written Word. But we have merely scratched the surface. There is much more that could have been said. If we remember anything, let us remember what this Psalm teaches: God blesses those who delight in His teachings. We should not commit to His Word for one year, but for our whole lives. We should meditate on it day and night – every day and night. I pray that we would ever seek the blessing God has prepared for those who live in His Word and according to His Word.

I encourage you all, let’s dig deeper this year. Let’s find blessing in hearing God speak through His Word each and every day. There is no end to what His Word offers us. We can never plumb the depths of the infinite mind and heart of God. Let’s each seek the blessing of knowing Him through His Word, more this year, and every year.

Thank you for taking this walk with me, brothers and sisters.