1. What is the key to true happiness?
a. We live in a time where boredom, depression and other forms of unhappiness are rampant
b. Can we discover the basic principle which determines happiness?
2. The Book of Psalms with its very first psalm shares with us a key principle that can ensure true happiness...
a. Notice the very first word of the first psalm - "Blessed..."
1) The word in Hebrew denotes the idea of "happiness"
2) The actual force of the Hebrew could be translated "O how very happy is the man..."
b. Therefore this psalm describes "The Truly Happy Man"
A. WE ARE TOLD OF HIS CHARACTER (Psalm 1-2)
1. Described first from a NEGATIVE point of view - Psalm 1:1
a. There is value in negative commands
1) For much that destroys happiness is sinful activity
2) We ought to appreciate them
a) They keep us from going astray
b) They protect from harm and misery
3) Like restraining walls along a cliff, they keep us from getting hurt
b. Therefore it is said that the truly happy man:
1) "Walks not in the counsel of the ungodly"
a) He does not take their counsel or advice
2) "Nor stands in the path of sinners"
a) He does not linger where sinners are known to go lest him become tempted.
3) "Nor sits in the seat of the scornful"
a) He does not join himself with those who ridicule and mock those trying to do right to defend their own actions
c. This verse describes the journey one takes into sin...
1) First, one going along with a crowd
2) Then, taking a stand with the crowd
3) Finally, reaching a point where sinning is not enough, mockery is added
2. His character from a POSITIVE perspective - Psalm 1:2
a. "His delight is in the law of the Lord"
1) The source of his joy and happiness is the Word of God!
2) It is truly his "delight" - cf. Psalm 119:16, 24, 35, 47, 70, 77
3) He preferred it over the counsel of the ungodly!
b. Therefore, "in His law he meditates day and night"
1) The word meditate means to "moan, hum, utter, speak, muse"
a) The picture is one of a man reading and re-reading half aloud to himself
b) Another word might be "ponder"
2) This he does with God's word "day and night"
a) Not implying a monk-like existence
b) But a concerted interest which goes beyond a casual acquaintance
3) What it means is that this is something...
a) He does habitually
b) He takes time to do
c) He does both day and night
B. WE ARE TOLD OF HIS PROSPERITY (3)
1. "He shall be like a tree"
a. This figure of speech is often used in Scripture to describe the righteous - Psalm 92:12-15
b. It had special significance to those living in arid climates
2. "Planted by rivers of water"
a. A picture describing a person whose life is rooted in God's word
b. From which one receives constant nourishment
3. "That brings forth fruit in its season"
a. Depicting a life which yields something worthwhile
b. Providing blessings to himself and others
4. "Whose leaf also shall not wither"
a. A tree with roots near a river is not likely to be affected in times of drought
b. So adverse conditions do not affect the fruitfulness of one whose strength comes from God's word!
5. "Whatever he does shall prosper"
a. The figure of the tree is now left behind
b. This is a general rule, exceptions may occur for reasons which only God knows
c. But the Christian life will generally be blessed by prosperity
1) For he will heed God's directions for success in life
2) And he will heed God's warnings concerning things that waste life
A. THEY ARE NOTHING LIKE THE RIGHTEOUS (4)
1. The phrase "The ungodly are not so" is more emphatic in the Hebrew
2. The contrast as illustrated by the Psalmist
a. He does not even describe them as withering trees
1) But rather as "chaff which the wind drives away"
2) Alluding to chaff blown away from wheat as it is tossed into the air
b. The illustration describes a bleak existence
1) Their life is one of futility
2) Their life is no substantial value, either to be blown away and not found, or to be burned (cf. Matthew 3:12)
B. THEIR SORRY LIFE LEADS TO A SORRY END (5)
1. "The ungodly shall not stand in the judgment"
a. I understand this may be a Hebraism
1) Meaning that the wicked "shall not be able to maintain himself"
2) Obliged to sit or fall down in shame when convicted of their guilt
b. The Final Judgment appears to be under consideration
2. "Nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous"
a. In all places where the righteous are assembled, they will have no place:
1) Where they assemble to worship God
2) Where they meet as His friends
3) Where they together participate in His favor
b. But especially, in the last day, when the righteous...
1) Shall be gathered together to receive their reward
2) Shall be assembled together in heaven ...the sinner has no place!
A. THE WAY OF THE RIGHTEOUS (6a)
1. The Lord "knows" the way of the righteous
2. The word "knows" suggests interest in, and care for, the person known
3. God himself goes with such a person throughout his or her life
B. THE WAY OF THE UNGODLY (6b)
1. The way of the ungodly person "shall perish"
2. Shall tend toward ruin -- His path becomes less defined until it loses itself (like a trail that leads into a swamp)
1. Is not the end described for the ungodly a true description of those who go through life bored, depressed, or otherwise unhappy?
a. Their lives are listless
b. With no sense of purpose or direction, gradually unraveling
2. Why is this so? Because they...
a. Heed the counsel of the ungodly!
b. Do not meditate upon the Word of the Lord!
3. If we desire to be "The Truly Happy Man"...
a. Standing strong like well-nourished tree, bearing fruit at all times
b. With the Lord always at our side
c. Then the key is to delight and meditate in the Word of the Lord, and not heed the counsel of sinners!
-- Don Treadway, December 2001 --
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