Read: Psalm 1
That person is like a tree planted by streams of water. (v. 3 NIV)
For some years now, I have lived every day in the Psalms. I read regularly from the Old and New Testaments also, but the Psalms are my spiritual homeland. Along with millions of other believers, I find them always in my prayers, always enriching my worship, delighting my heart.
One of the first psalms I ever memorized was Psalm 1. I learned it like this: “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” (v. 1 KJV). I always saw a kind of sad progression in that: first you walk in the company of godless people, then you stand and chat with them, then you remain in their company. Blessed is everyone who doesn’t go on that downward path!
Now here is the alternative I deeply desire—that of the truly blessed one. But his delight, his joy, is in the law of the Lord, and he meditates in that Word—not now and then, but “day and night.” Everything in me says, “Lord, let me be a man like that!” He is like a tree, planted by streams of water, always nourished and refreshed. That man lives a fruitful life. His leaves don’t wither away. And, imagine this! In everything he does, he prospers. Now there is a blessed man! There is a pattern of life for me to follow, and a destiny to embrace. —Bill Brownson
As you pray, ask God to help you take delight in his Word.
About the Author
Dr. William C. Brownson was the President Emeritus of Words of Hope. Dr. Brownson served Reformed churches in Lodi, New Jersey, and Chicago, Illinois. In 1964 he was appointed Professor of Preaching at Western Theological Seminary, a position he occupied for ten years before serving at Words of Hope. In addition to a widespread speaking ministry in churches, on university campuses and at conferences, Dr. Brownson wrote extensively for the Church Herald, other Christian periodicals, and authored many books. Dr. Brownson died April 1, 2022.
