Message Handout
Summer in the Psalms
Psalm 1 June 1, 2025
Although Psalms covers many different themes, almost every Psalm contains praise to God. Whether the writer is looking back at history, around at his enemies and problems, or up into the heavens, he assures us that God is praiseworthy. The Psalms will bring you clarity, comfort, and strength, reminding you that God desires to hear from you and meet your needs (Psalm 23:1). I believe you will see God this summer in the Psalms and His willingness and ability to meet all your needs.
What do we know about Psalm 1?
It is typically ascribed to David, but it could have been written by Ezra, Solomon, or an anonymous author. (At least fifty of the Psalms are anonymous.)
It was placed at the beginning of Psalms because it lays a foundation for the entire collection.
It may be classified as a wisdom psalm because of its emphasis on the two ways to live (godly/ungodly), the use of similes, and the importance of loving the Word of God.
In Psalm 1, the writer contrasts two people and the consequences of their life choices.
How is Psalm 1 divided up?
1st - The Psalmist tells us about those blessed by God. Vs. 1-3
“Oh, the joys of those who do not follow the advice of the wicked, or stand around with sinners, or join in with mockers. But they delight in the law of the Lord, meditating on it day and night. They are like trees planted along the riverbank, bearing fruit each season. Their leaves never wither, and they prosper in all they do.”
(Psalm 1:1-3, NLT)
The Psalmist gives us two reasons people are blessed by God:
1. God blesses people who do not associate with sinners.
The Psalmist says God blesses (protects and provides for) people who choose not to listen to the wicked, hang around with sinners, or mock God and His Word.
2. God blesses people who delight in His Word.
The word delight in Vs. 2 means “to enjoy with all your senses.” (Think of your favorite food.) God blesses (protects and provides for) people who honor and cherish His written Word (Psalm 119:47-48, 72, 159). Meditating on God's word means studying and pondering its truths.
“Study this Book of Instruction continually. Meditate on it day and night so you will be sure to obey everything written in it. Only then will you prosper and succeed in all you do.” (Joshua 1:8, NLT)
Vs. 3 says the person who loves and lives by God’s Word is like a fruit tree planted along a riverbank. The tree grows strong and produces lots of fruit because it receives the right amount of water and minerals. People who live by God's Word experience joy and success because they trust the Lord (Nehemiah 8:10; Proverbs 10:28; Philippians 4:13; James 1:12).
2nd - The Psalmist tells us about those not blessed by God. Vs. 4-6
“But not the wicked! They are like worthless chaff, scattered by the wind. They will be condemned at the time of judgment. Sinners will have no place among the godly. For the Lord watches over the path of the godly, but the path of the wicked leads to destruction.” (Psalm 1:4-6, NLT)
The Psalmist gives us two reasons people are not blessed by God:
1. God does not bless people who are wicked.
The wicked, who are also referred to as sinners and mockers in Psalm 1, do not love God or live by His Word. God withholds his divine protection and provision from the wicked and makes sure they suffer the consequences of their sinful choices (Proverbs 1:7; 3:35; 10:8, 14, 23; 12:15; 13:16, 20; 14:7,16; 18:7; 26:11; 28:26).
2. God does not bless people who are worthless.
In Vs 4, the Psalmist says the wicked are like chaff. Chaff is the dry, outer coverings of the husks of grain that are separated during the threshing and winnowing process. The writer’s point is that the wicked have no practical value to God because they do not bring Him glory (1 Cor 10:31). The wicked will be judged, found guilty, and condemned (Rev 20:11-15).
If a person lives long enough, they will become a sinner like those mentioned in Psalm 1 (Ephesians 2:1-3). Thankfully, God made a way for us to become His children and be counted among the righteous through His Son Jesus (Romans 4:25-5:2; 10:9-13; Ephesians 2:4-9; 2 Corinthians 5:21; John 1:12). All who put their faith in Christ are forgiven of their sins and made right in God’s sight. There is no condemnation to those who belong to Christ Jesus (Romans 5:1-2; 8:1)!
The Point
In Psalm 1, the Psalmist states there are two ways to live. The God-directed life results in blessings. The self-directed life leads to destruction. God blesses those who love Him and His Word; He withholds His blessings from those who reject Him and His Word. Jesus concluded His Sermon on the Mount with this same teaching (Matt. 7:13-14, 24-27). The living Word of God said…
“Anyone who listens to my teaching and follows it is wise, like a person who builds a house on solid rock. Though the rain comes in torrents and the floodwaters rise and the winds beat against that house, it won’t collapse because it is built on bedrock. But anyone who hears my teaching and doesn’t obey it is foolish, like a person who builds a house on sand. When the rains and floods come and the winds beat against that house, it will collapse with a mighty crash.” (Matthew 7:24-27, NLT)
Some Resources…
http://rayvanneste.com/?p=5205
https://bibleproject.com/guides/book-of-psalms/