Psalm 1

While reading Psalm 1 this morning, I couldn’t help but think this is a Psalm to model our lives around, and I wondered how my life would have been different if I had committed myself to it.

In verse 1, we are told to choose our friends wisely, and in verse 2, we are told to meditate on God’s word day and night. I wonder how much better the world would look now if we committed ourselves to meditating on God’s word. If I could remember God’s word as well as I remember stupid 80s song lyrics, I think my thoughts, words, and actions would be more Christlike.

‘¹Oh, the joys of those who do not follow the advice of the wicked, or stand around with sinners, or join in with mockers. ²But they delight in the law of the Lord, meditating on it day and night.
Psalms 1:1-2

‘For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places.
Ephesians 6:12

I see posts claiming the United States and Israel are doing ‘God’s work by attacking Iran. I realize that these are deeply painful and complex issues, and my heart aches for everyone whose lives have been shattered by this violence, no matter which side they are on. It is impossible to ignore the grief and loss so many are experiencing. But I find it hard to believe that the Christ I follow, the Christ that said “Blessed are the Peacemakers,” would condone killing 165 school girls. 165 girls will never grow up, never have a chance to become Christians.

‘Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.’
Matthew 5:9

I find it hard to believe that the Christ I follow, you know, the guy that said: “Do to others whatever you would like them to do to you,” or “Love your neighbor as yourself.” Would want a violent war. Any more than the God of the Old Testament would want it.

‘¹⁸ “Do not seek revenge or bear a grudge against a fellow Israelite, but love your neighbor as yourself. I am the Lord.   ³ “Do not take advantage of foreigners who live among you in your land. ³⁴Treat them like native-born Israelites, and love them as you love yourself. Remember that you were once foreigners living in the land of Egypt. I am the Lord your God.
Leviticus 19:18,33-34

‘The earth is the Lord’s and everything in it. The world and all its people belong to him. ‘Psalms 24:1

Our governments are on a path of destruction. George Washington warned us in his 1796 Farewell Address to avoid foreign alliances. He wasn’t advocating for isolation, but he knew we could be drawn into power struggles. I think of the insanity of it all, of the trillions of dollars for war, the millions of lives destroyed, and the attempt to pass laws on free speech, since we’ve been aligned with Israel.

The Israeli government’s policies are not “Judaism” any more than US foreign policy is “Christianity.” We need to pray for peace in our hearts, peace in the world, and an end to war. We, humans, need to get on the path to peace, and it starts with meditating on God’s Word.

‘For the Lord watches over the path of the godly, but the path of the wicked leads to destruction.’
Psalms 1:6

Dear Heavenly Father of Lights. I come to you in the name of Jesus. I ask for peace in our hearts, in the world. I ask for an incredible desire in each of us to do your will. I ask for leaders who can’t be corrupted, for your light to shine through, and end the darkness of this world. I pray for the forgiveness of our sins. Lord, put us on the right path, have mercy on us all, in Christ’s Name, Amen.