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. (vv 1-2)
In an age where different voices
clamour for your attention, the psalmist's words are more relevant than ever.
Every day, you receive counsel, unwanted or otherwise, from friends, the
authorities, the media, family members, and diverse other sources. There is
always someone willing to guide you along life’s journey.
Furthermore, depending on the company you keep and whose advice you follow,
your life’s course subtly changes. If you listen to enough motivational
teaching, you imbibe that culture and adjust your life accordingly. If you
watch a lot of television, the type of programmes you watch could frame your
thinking. The mind is like a bank - make enough deposits, and you begin to
retrieve currency of the same kind.
As the psalmist says, the man who walks long enough in ungodly counsel, soon
finds himself travelling in the company of evildoers, where what sin has to
offer becomes extremely attractive. When enough time has been spent in this
condition, mockery becomes a habit. Things that are laudable become subjects of
scorn, and this man finds himself taking a superior stance to anyone whose
opinion contradicts his own.
The psalmist provides a solution to this potentially cancerous state of mind.
Meditate on God's law. Read His word, spend time thinking about what you've
read, then apply it to your life. Let God's word be the final authority when
you make decisions. In other words, keep your thoughts pure and simplify your
life by basing your choices on the once-famous question: WWJD (What Would Jesus
Do?).
To
meditate in God's word, is to discourse with ourselves concerning the great
things contained in it, with close application of mind and fixedness of
thought. We must have constant regard to the word of God, as the rule of our
actions, and the spring of our comforts; and have it in our thoughts night and
day -[1]
God knows living like this is not easy,
but it is achievable through meditating on His word as often as possible. Take
counsel from the Holy Spirit and from godly people around you. Let your mind
dwell on the things that are true, noble, just, pure, lovely, of good report,
virtuous and praiseworthy (Philippians 4:8).
Application to this way of life
brings benefits beyond compare, as we see from the following scripture.
The law
of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the LORD is sure,
making wise the simple. The statutes of the LORD are right, rejoicing the
heart: the commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes. The fear of
the LORD is clean, enduring forever: the judgments of the LORD are true and
righteous altogether. More to be desired are they than gold, yea, than much
fine gold: sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb. Moreover by them is thy
servant warned: and in keeping of them there is great reward. (Psalm 19:7-11)
Beloved, the above is reason enough to follow the psalmist's advice. Give
yourself to a deep study of God’s word, and treat the scriptures like your
daily vitamin dosage. God’s word is necessary for your spiritual, and physical
health and well-being.
[1] Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary on the Bible.