Thursday 22 October 2009

Background

Psalm 1 is sometimes described as a 'psalm of wisdom' and actsas a kind of introduction to the rest of the book of Psalms. Itsummarises all that is to follow and assures the reader that God'swisdom is superior and trustworthy.

Have you ever taken action on some dodgy advice? Where did you endup? Down a path you didn't want to take? In a sticky situation?Somewhere that always gets worse before it gets better? Having toapologise or make amends?

In today's passage, the psalmist addresses the question of whatadvice we should take and essentially points out two different waysof living: one with God and one without. The one who chooses towalk with God does not do certain things. There is a way they willnot walk, a path they will not take and a seat they won't sitin.

The psalmist wants the reader to know that in order to make wise,long term decisions, we should rely on God rather than acceptedhuman wisdom. But what does this mean in real terms? It would belovely if God would just tell us when we're about to do somethingreally stupid, a lighting bolt from the heavens or boomingtheatrical voice of warning, perhaps. Sadly, God doesn't seem towork that way, but that doesn't mean God has abandoned us to figureit all out on our own.

As this psalm implies, we have access to God's wisdom in Scripture(verse 2 - "the law of the Lord"), and of course we are part of acommunity of faith. We should seek out the wisdom of fellowChristians, praying through the tough decisions we have tomake.

Many will remember the trend for bracelets bearing the letters WWJD- What Would Jesus Do? This may be a bit passé now, but the messageremains just as true: Jesus acts as our example and guide througheverything we face in life.

To Ponder

Who do you go to for advice?

What would Jesusdo?