PSALM 1
"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. And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, That bringeth forth his fruit in his season; His leaf also shall not wither; And whatsoever he doeth shall prosper. The ungodly are not so: But are like the chaff which the wind driveth away. Therefore the ungodly shall not stand in the judgment, Nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous. For the Lordknoweth the way of the righteous: But the way of the ungodly shall perish."
As we reach this halfway point in Advance, our focus shifts to the book of Joshua where the Lord commands Joshua not only to be strong and courageous but also to meditate on His Word day and night. It’s striking that God’s first instruction to a leader about engaging in military conquest is not about strategy or weapons, but about keeping the Bible as his central focus.
Psalm 1, a cherished passage memorized by many across the generations, echoes this command. It beautifully illustrates the life of someone who avoids the counsel of the wicked and instead finds joy in God’s law, meditating on it day and night. This isn’t just a poetic idea—it is God’s design for spiritual strength. The Psalm explains why this was God's charge to Joshua: because in delighting and meditating on God’s Word, we become like a tree planted by streams of water.
Picture this tree. Its roots are deep, drawing from an unending source of life. This means it is always flourishing, never withering, and even when the seasons change, it remains vibrant and fruitful. This is the promise for those who immerse themselves in Scripture: a life of sustained spiritual vitality, even when external circumstances shift.
The Psalm also tells us that the tree brings forth its fruit in its season. This reminds us that while we may always be spiritually alive, the fruit—those visible outcomes of our faith—comes in God’s perfect timing. As we Advance, let's remember that we too are in a season—a season of growth, challenge, and opportunity.
Faith Baptist Church’s leaves have not withered; we’ve weathered many seasons together. Now, we stand on the brink of another season of fruitfulness through Advance. However, this fruitfulness will only come as we root ourselves deeply in God’s Word.
So, over the next four weeks, we challenge you to increase your intake of Scripture. Maybe that means starting with just five minutes a day, or perhaps you’ll extend your study time. Consider beginning with Psalm 1 or diving into the book of Joshua. As you read, underline the verses that speak to you, and commit to memorizing them.
Let’s not just survive through this season—let’s thrive, bearing fruit together as we stay rooted in God’s Word. Commit to reading and meditating on Scripture like Joshua did, so that we too might be strong and courageous in the face of the challenges ahead.