VIP Ministry Network

Sermon in a nutshell: “Delight in the Law of the Lord!” (Psalm 1:1-6)

God wants us to have blessed life!

God wants us to have blessed life. God even gives us instructions how to have one.

The Psalm 1 is the introduction of the whole 150 Psalms. It is also the introduction of the book 1 (Psalm 1-41). The whole Psalm is a praise.

However, in this praise, we can see wisdom, complaints, and instructions. As an introduction, the Psalm 1 opens the whole Psalm with blessings.

There are two things to do to have blessed life

The first instruction is about something that we should not do: “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.” When you read this instruction, it progresses.

People first take some steps with the wicked. It can be accidental. People take some foolish ideas and take some actions. However, next time, they stand in the way that sinners take. It was not an accident anymore. They make it a habit. It becomes a routine habit. Then, finally they sit in the company of mockers. They enjoy and love those things. Whether it is alcohol or gambling, think about the progress. First accidental step leads to the habit, and habit becomes your fate.

The second instruction is about something that we should do: “Blessed is the one whose delight is in the law of the Lord, and who meditates on his law day and night.” This instruction has two parts. The first part is talking about a basic orientation.

Basically, the blessed ones love reading the Bible. They enjoy the words of God. The second part is about their habit. They read it day and night. They do not just read but meditate on it. Meditation takes time. We have to ask questions and answer those questions while we are reading it.

For example, we can ask these questions: “Who is God here? Who am I (or Who are we)? What does God want me (0r us) to do?”

Or ask SPACE question: “What is the Sin that this passage is talking about? What is the Promise that I can hold onto? What is an Action that I need to take? What is the Commandment that I need to keep? What is the Example that I need to follow?”

God Promises Prosperity for those who have delight in the law of the Lord

Then write a journal with your answers. If we do that daily, the Bible promises these blessings: 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.” Don’t you want to have this fruitful and prosperous life?

Destruction is not God’s punishment. It is something that we invite into our lives.

The Bible says, “Not so the wicked! They are like chaff that the wind blows away. Therefore, the wicked will not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the assembly of the righteous. For the Lord watches over the way of the righteous, but the way of the wicked leads to destruction.”

Patients who do not listen to doctors’ instructions will get sicker and sicker. We may say that sometimes doctors are wrong. You are right. However, God is always right. Following God’s instruction is the best way to have blessed life.

Start a habit of meditating on the Bible

The Bible does not promise a challenge-free life. Challenges are tools that God uses to refine us. Through thick and thin we can eventually have a fruitful life. Without winter snow, spring winds, and summer storms we cannot have fall harvest. Life is full of challenges. However, if we follow God’s instructions and meditate on the goodness of the Lord, we will have joyful harvest at the end of our lives! The ones who go out to sew seeds with tears will come back with joyful harvest in the end. Hang in there and meditate on the law of the Lord. God be with you all!

1. Who are the small group members that you can share your meditation with?
2. When and where do you have personal meditation everyday?