How to be Blessed (Part 1 of 2)
The Dichotomy of Blessed and Wicked
Psalm 1 presents a bizarre dichotomy between two categories of humanity. We often think in terms of Christians and non-Christians, wheat and tares, with no neutral ground. But here, the contrast is between the wicked and the blessed.
We understand the wicked: sinners, scoffers—they're the same category. We see wickedness in the world and even within ourselves, from which Christ saved us. Yet the antonym of wicked is blessed. If you don't feel blessed amid suffering or difficulties—especially when others seem privileged—know this: there are only the blessed and the wicked. God gives the prescription for blessedness.
How blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked, nor stand in the path of sinners, nor sit in the seat of scoffers! But his delight is in the law of the Lord, and in His law he meditates day and night.
If you have God, you are blessed. Jesus died for you; grace upon grace flows from Him. That's blessedness. But there's also a blessed lifestyle to pursue.
What Does It Mean to Be Blessed?
The Scriptures' idea of blessedness isn't a mystical formula for riches. It refers to grace received—God's favor, putting you in a position of privilege. This can include material gifts; everything good comes from God. Give thanks in all things, even brushing your teeth.
Blessedness is like Job, whom God praised: "Have you considered My servant Job?" To have God speak well of you is the ultimate goal.
Blessedness carries joy and happiness—not in lesser things, but in God Himself. Holiness brings profound happiness. God wants your joy to be full, as Jesus promised in John 15—His joy made complete in you.
These things I have spoken to you so that My joy may be in you, and that your joy may be made full.
How to Be Blessed: Avoid the Progression of Sin
How blessed is the man who avoids three stages of sin's progression.
1. Do Not Walk in the Counsel of the Wicked
The first stage is planning sin—counsel as inventing evil possibilities. Sin starts in thoughts and desires; no sin occurs without willful planning. Avoid victim mentalities like "I fell." Every sin has a desire precursor, as with Eve's gaze on the fruit.
Say no at temptation's start, not in your strength but Christ's. Take every thought captive with hostility, not hospitality. Obedience to Christ follows.
2. Do Not Stand in the Way of Sinners
Don't depart from godliness into action. If you plan sin, stop—don't commit it. Run to the throne of grace. "Stand" means allowing or forcing continuance; both are terrible. Avoid like the plague.
3. Do Not Sit in the Seat of Scoffers
The final stage: completeness in sin, like Christ sitting after finishing His work. Scoffers bash others and boast in sin. Christians receive scoffing, never initiate it.
The progression: walk (plan), stand (act), sit (boast and complete).
The Positive Path: Delight in the Law of the Lord
But his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on His law he meditates day and night. This replaces sinful thoughts with God's Word—the schoolmaster to Christ, exposing sin and revealing God's holiness.
Don't just read ritually; delight, meditate obsessively. Preach the gospel to yourself daily. Scripture changes you, not always circumstances.
"Delight" means joy, desire, precious stones, business, will. Joy in God's Word refills what the world drains. Desire it above all—like a book you can't put down. Mine its treasures. Align your business and will with it: love God and others.
This overflows: better relationships, ministry, work—all enhanced by holiness and joy in God's Word. God's will? Salvation for unbelievers, sanctification for believers. Find your direction in Scripture.
What does this do for you?
