“Articulate” - Psalm 1 (Day 5)

Over the past week, we’ve slowed down, sat with and reflected on the inspiring words of Psalm 1. Today’s devotional will be a little different (and maybe a bit shorter) - as we want to help you, and us as a community, articulate the things we’re learning, sensing, and feeling as well as the way God has spoken to you through Psalm 1. Before we begin, let’s take a moment to pray for wisdom and discernment , that we would tune our ears and posture our hearts to be receptive to God's still, small voice. 

Scripture speaks about the importance of discernment and articulation. They are skills we need to continually develop and disciplines we must continually practice as we interact with God’s words in the Bible. We stunt Scripture’s transformational power when its insight remains merely words on a page and doesn’t make its way inside our soul and then eventually becomes visible to the world around us through our words and actions. The author of James, a letter found in the New Testament, puts it this way, “Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like someone who looks at his face in a mirror and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like” (James 1:23-24). We listen, look,  pay close attention, and study. These aren’t passive activities. They entail active attention and a great deal of focus. 

With that said, let’s continue to practice this skill  by reading Psalm 1 together:.  

Psalm 1 says this:

1 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,

2 but whose delight is in the law of the Lord,

    and who meditates on his law day and night.

3 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.

4 Not so the wicked!

    They are like chaff

    that the wind blows away.

5 Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgment,

    nor sinners in the assembly of the righteous.

6 For the Lord watches over the way of the righteous,

    but the way of the wicked leads to destruction.

Reading Scripture is essential to following Jesus. It’s how we get to know his heart and character, as well as understand ourselves and how we navigate and interact with the world around us. But if we’re honest, at times, we may find it difficult to understand and apply Scripture. How do we know what to focus on? How do we apply it to our lives today? One simple and effective tool is to ask questions. The questions we ask when we read the Bible shape and determine how we understand and apply Scripture. 

Even though it’s only six verses long, Psalm 1 is full of wisdom and insight. During our time together today, we want to provide you with a few questions that will help you process Psalm 1 and articulate what you’re learning. When looking at a passage, we naturally gravitate toward action and application, wanting to know what we should do. This is a good and necessary step, but even there, God invites us to slow down, encounter Him, and read relationally first. The call of Scripture isn’t for us to be rule-keepers, but rather, image-bearers. Being transformed into the image of Christ requires us to encounter Him in what we read.

As you read Psalm 1 this week…

• WHAT DID YOU LEARN ABOUT GOD, HIS CHARACTER, AND RELATING TO HIM?

• WHAT DID YOU LEARN ABOUT HUMANITY, YOURSELF, AND RELATING TO OTHERS?

Scripture is living and active and is meant to impact the way we live. When we apply Scripture to our lives, we move from mere head knowledge to taking His Word to heart. As the Holy Spirit whispers His love and direction for us, we begin to learn how to live out God’s ways. Knowing His heart transforms our hearts. In a way, application is faith and understanding made visible. 

As you look back at your time reading Psalm 1…

• WHAT DOES GOD WANT YOU TO BELIEVE, TRUST, AND THINK?

• WHAT DOES GOD WANT YOU TO DESIRE AND PURSUE?

• HOW CAN YOU TAKE THESE TIMELESS TRUTHS AND LIVE THEM OUT IN YOUR DAILY LIFE? 

PRAYER

Father God,

Your wisdom is life-giving water to my soul.

It is so vast that the oceans cannot contain it.

Yet, still I want to soak it all up and absorb every drop. 

May Your Spirit continue to speak to me as I ponder Your truth.

Help me to see evidence of Your love and faithfulness as I go about my day. Amen.