The Blessed
(Psalm 1:1-6)
We, Christians who believe in and have received salvation through Jesus Christ, should live a life of blessedness. As recipients of God’s grace, Christians are sent to shine lights of positive influence in their various positions in life. When we consider Psalm 1, which serves as the introduction to the entire book, it states and defines a ‘blessed person’.
1. What the blessed should not do
　　In order to live as blessed individuals, the Bible provides three principles that we should avoid (Psalm 1:1). First, we must not follow the counsel of the wicked. It is essential for us to refrain from following the morally corrupted thoughts and actions of the wicked and to consistently protect our hearts and souls before God. Secondly, we should not walk in the path of sinners. We should distance ourselves from the path of sin that goes against God’s will and consistently seek guidance from Jesus Christ to stay on the righteous path. Lastly, we should not sit in the seat of the arrogant. As Christians, we should not associate with those who disrespect or belittle God; instead, we should live our lives in righteousness.
2. What the blessed should do
　　However, there are essential practices that blessed individuals should diligently engage. Most importantly, we must consider God’s word as a source of joy and purpose in our lives. Those who understand that the greatest joy in the hearts of Christians does not come from worldly things but from the word of the Lord are truly blessed. Additionally, it is essential to meditate on God’s word day and night (Psalm 1:2). By reading, contemplating, memorizing, and confessing the Scriptures on a daily basis, it becomes a powerful source of healing and transformation, impacting not just the soul but also the mind and body, resulting in a significant influence on one’s entire life.
3. Blessings for the blessed
　　Those who do not perform what God has forbidden and engage in what pleases Him are the truly blessed individuals. Such people live lives that flourish in every aspect, much like a tree planted by the streams of water yielding its fruit in its season and its leaves never wither (Psalm 1:3). This resembles the experience of Joseph, who, even as a slave, prospered in everything he did because God was with him (Genesis 39:3, 23). The righteous will receive acknowledgement and praise before God, while the wicked may ultimately perish. I sincerely hope that all of us may become blessed individuals, regarded as righteous by God, and ultimately achieve victory until the end.