Text: Psalm 1: 1-6
Introduction
People often feel lost, unsure of what path to take in life, and crave clarity and purpose. In a world of constant change and uncertainty, people yearn for stability and a sense of security. Everyone desires a life of success and fulfillment, but often searches for it in the wrong places. People crave genuine connections and a sense of belonging, but often struggle with toxic relationships and isolation. People often feel discouraged and hopeless, especially in the face of disappointments and setbacks.
Living in this world is indeed challenging. That’s why we need to make choices. How are we going to live? What will be the basis of our lives? What will be our “true north”? Some people make these choices consciously or intentionally. Others simply allow the world around them to make those choices for them. Whether intentionally or not, our choices do matter. They will determine the outcome of our lives.
Psalm 1 is the beginning of the whole book of Psalms. It introduces this book as a book of instruction, or how we are to live in this world based on faith in God rather than in one’s self or others. Such a life is the wiser choice, if we know the reasons. Psalm 1 gives us those reasons.
There are three reasons why living a life of faith in God in this world is the wiser choice.
Three Reasons
1. It results in a blessed life (vv.1-2).
To be blessed is not just about material prosperity; it’s a deep sense of well-being, peace, and God's favor. Jesus pronounced “blessedness” in His sermon known as the Beatitudes (Matthew 5:3-12), highlighting the characteristics of those favored by God, such as the poor in spirit and the peacemakers, among others. Essentially, being blessed means experiencing God's grace and living in accordance with His will.
Illustration: Imagine you're navigating through life's social media maze. On one side, you have the influencers, the trending hashtags, and the constant barrage of “fake news”. On the other side, you have the word of God that focuses on things that truly matter. Which path will lead you to true "blessedness"?
Application: Let us be mindful of the content that we consume online. Choose those that truly inspire you, make you think, and remind you of God's truth.
2. It results in a fruitful life (vv.3-4).
Fruitfulness results from being rooted in God's Word, not merely in personal effort. The tree analogy is very important. A "fruitful life" in a biblical sense refers to a life characterized by spiritual growth and maturity, along with the manifestation of good works that glorify God. Jesus teaches us about this kind of “fruitfulness” in John 15, stating that apart from Him, we can do nothing. In other words, true fruitfulness comes from abiding in Him. First, this "fruit" includes character virtues such as love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23). Secondly, a fruitful life positively impacts others, reflecting the character of Christ and advancing His Kingdom.
Illustration: Think of your career or your studies. You could chase after every promotion, every award, every bit of recognition. Or, you could focus on developing your relationship with God, building meaningful relationships in the body of Christ, and using your gifts and talents to make a difference in the world. Which approach will yield more "fruit" in the long run?
Application: This translates to focusing on the quality of your life rather than just busyness and hurriedness. It means being mindful of who you are becoming.
3. It results in a secure life (vv.5-6).
Biblically, being secure in this life is about God's knowledge and recognition of us as His children, not our worldly attachments (i.e., false security). It's about eternal security and standing before God in true righteousness based on faith. A "secure life" is characterized by peace and assurance regardless of circumstances. This security is rooted in the promises of God in Scripture, which remind us that God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in times of trouble. A secure life is anchored in God's sovereignty, love, and faithfulness, allowing believers to navigate life's challenges with confidence and hope.
Illustration: Our world is driven by a "hustle" culture, the need to have more, do more, be more. But what happens when the likes don't come, the deals fall through, and the followers move on? Where will your security come from then?
Application: This means finding our security in something bigger than ourselves. It's about knowing that our worth isn't tied to our job title, our income, or our social status. It's about resting in the assurance that we are God's children, and that He will never leave us nor forsake us just as He promised.
Conclusion:
“Only by faith can you experience blessedness, fruitfulness, and security.”
In a world of uncertainty, choosing to live a life of faith is the wiser choice. Psalm 1 teaches us that such a life leads to true blessedness, fruitfulness, and security. A blessed life encompasses God's deep peace and favor, while being rooted in Christ allows us to thrive and produce good fruit that positively impacts others. Our security lies not in worldly achievements or attachments but in the assurance of being known and loved by God, giving us confidence in the midst of life's challenges. By consciously choosing to walk in faith we can navigate life's complexities with clarity and purpose, reflecting God's love and grace to those around us.
Will you choose today to live your life by faith and experience the blessedness, fruitfulness, and security that He promises? Take a moment now to ask God to reveal any areas where you need to turn away from the way of the world and embrace the way of the righteous, which is by faith.
Discussion Questions
1. In what areas of your life do you feel you are walking in step with the wicked or standing in the way of sinners? How can you realign your path to reflect a life of faith?
2. Reflect on the online content you consume daily. What specific changes can you make to ensure that your social Three media intake inspires you and aligns with God's truth?
3. How do you define a "fruitful life" for yourself? What steps can you take to focus on spiritual growth and meaningful relationships rather than just achievements and recognition?
4. Where do you typically find your sense of security? How can you shift your focus to find deeper security in your identity as a child of God, rather than in worldly measures?
5. What specific actions can you take this week to consciously choose to live by faith? How can you encourage others around you to do the same?