Just a heads up – for this series I am going to be using The Message version of The Bible – this translation captures a deeper level of heart behind the Psalms that I think gives a very fresh and interesting perspective to the Author(s)’s heart.
I will also be referencing ESV, KJV and NIV to help bring other phrasing to light.
So, without further delay – let’s get to studying!
How well God must like you – you don’t hang out at Sin Saloon, you don’t slink along Dead-End Road, you don’t go to Smart-Mouth College.Instead you thrill to God’s Word, you chew on Scripture day and night.You’re a tree replanted in Eden, bearing fresh fruit every month, Never dropping a leaf, always in blossom.You’re not at all like the wicked, who are mere windblown dust –Without defense in court, unfit company for innocent people.God charts the road you take. The road they take is Skid Row.-Psalm 1 MSG
I love how the very beginning of this book is a declaration of our identity.
“How well God must like you…” the book opens with.
“How well God must like you…” the book opens with.
What a powerful statement…I believe this statement, then, motivates us to the behavior listed afterward.
The use of the word thrill in the MSG version is actually one that I didn’t understand until a few years ago.
You see, I used to HATE reading the Bible. It was boring, dull, made me sleepy just thinking about reading it.
But, a few years ago, I began developing a passion that literally has begun to thrill my heart every time I get even a moment in the scriptures.
You see, I used to HATE reading the Bible. It was boring, dull, made me sleepy just thinking about reading it.
But, a few years ago, I began developing a passion that literally has begun to thrill my heart every time I get even a moment in the scriptures.
What does thrilling in the scriptures liken us to?
A replanted tree in the garden of Eden (Paradise) – fully redeemed, fully restored, fully taken care of…not even dropping a leaf. ALWAYS in blossom…wow!
A replanted tree in the garden of Eden (Paradise) – fully redeemed, fully restored, fully taken care of…not even dropping a leaf. ALWAYS in blossom…wow!
Have you ever been in that kind of season? One where you are fully consuming His word and you literally feel so refreshed and alive – regardless of what is going on around you?
That is the promise that we get when we fully devote ourselves to His word and seeking Him in it.
The way this Psalm ends gives me so much hope and trust.
‘God charts the road you take’ – what a wonderful thing!
But did you notice it? God charts it – but it is up to us to walk in it…
How do we do that? Refer to Psalm 1:1-5
Peace.
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