September 11, 2025

OUR JOY IN FOLLOWING THE LORD

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE

“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. 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.”

Psalms 1:1-6 NLT

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TODAY’S THOUGHT

The book of Psalms is perhaps the most loved portion of Scripture because it captures every human emotion—from joy to sorrow, from victory to despair—and lifts it before God. Fittingly, David begins this collection by showing us the pathway to a blessed and joyful life.

Psalm 1 lays out two very different roads: the way of the righteous and the way of the wicked. One ends in blessing, stability, and fruitfulness, the other ends in emptiness and destruction. Let’s look at what it takes to walk the blessed path.

1. Be Careful About Your Friends

David warns us to avoid walking, standing, or sitting in the company of the wicked, sinners, and mockers. Notice the progression: first walking alongside them, then standing with them, and finally sitting down and joining them. Little by little, bad company shapes us.

The people closest to us help determine the direction of our lives. Look at your five closest friends and you will see your future. If they are hungry for God, you’ll find your hunger growing. If they value their marriages, families, and finances, you’ll be pulled toward those same priorities. But if your inner circle is careless with sin or mocks the things of God, that influence will rub off on you too.

Choose wisely who gets a seat at the table of your heart.

2. Make God’s Word a Priority

The righteous are marked not just by what they avoid, but by what they pursue. They delight in God’s Word and meditate on it day and night.

Casual Christianity won’t sustain you in a world filled with temptation. Sunday morning services and an occasional small group are not enough spiritual nourishment. We need the daily bread of Scripture.

In biblical times, meditation wasn’t silent—it involved speaking God’s Word aloud, muttering it to yourself so it filled your heart and mind. Speaking the Word releases life and faith into your spirit. The more you fill your mind with Scripture, the more stable and fruitful your life becomes—like a tree planted by streams of water.

3. Don’t Tolerate Sin

David makes it plain: “Sinners will have no place among the godly.” That may sound harsh, but it is a reminder of God’s holiness. Sin separates us from Him.

The blessed life isn’t about being perfect—it’s about being honest before God. We must confess our sins, repent, and walk in His grace. But if we excuse, hide, or justify sin, it robs us of joy, peace, and blessing.

God calls us to live set apart, not because He wants to rob us of fun, but because He knows sin always leads to destruction.

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TODAY’S PRAYER

Holy Spirit, help me to choose my friends wisely. Give me a deep love for Your Word and a desire to meditate on it daily. Shine Your light on my heart and reveal any sin that must be confessed and removed. Plant me like a tree by living waters, so my life may bear fruit that honors You.

“Scroll down to share what you feel God is saying based on today’s reading.”