Forty Days in the PsalmsSample

Psalm 1 serves as a door thrown open to the whole book. There is a blessing pronounced on those who meditate on God’s Words as we hear them in Scripture. The believer's life is pictured as a fruit tree in need of water. We put our roots down into the water of God’s Word not just by reading but by meditating on those Words.

A great way to meditate on Scripture and make it a living part of our lives is to take the words we read and respond to them in prayer. We know from reading the Gospels that this was Jesus' own practice.

As we begin this journey, we must remember that we are God’s children. We do not need to try to impress Him with our deep insights or profound observations. All we need to do is accept the invitation of Psalm 1 and express our hopes, fears, and shortcomings in response to what we read—knowing that He loves and accepts us in Christ. This time spent with Him will be that Life-Giving Water we have read about!

I often look up and realize I have spent too much time listening to voices that do not build my trust in Jesus. He has often used this Psalm to turn my attention back to Him.

The blessing I have experienced through this has been to see Him using my life, often in the most challenging situations, to see His Will done. In other words, in the middle of stress, fear, and pain, I have often seen fruit in its season and leaves still green.

RESPOND IN PRAYER:

• “Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked….”

Ask your Father in Heaven for help to make time spent with Him a priority in your life. Watch for Him to answer that prayer over these next 40 days.

• “…that yields its fruit in season….”

Bring two or three of the difficult situations in your life to the Lord now, asking Him for the Wisdom and Strength you need to see His Will done in and through your life.