Are You Like A Tree or Dust in the Wind?
Psalm 1
David, the inspired writer of Psalm 1, teaches us the true way of blessedness, and he extends a warning about the destruction of sinners.
David uses a tree and dust in the wind to paint a picture for us.
The Tree
Blessed is the man Who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly, Nor stands in the path of sinners, Nor sits in the seat of the scornful; But his delight is in the law of the LORD, And in His law he meditates day and night. He shall be like a tree Planted by the rivers of water, That brings forth its fruit in its season, Whose leaf also shall not wither; And whatever he does shall prosper. (Psalm 1:1-3)
The blessed one does not live their life after the “wisdom” of this world. The genuinely blessed person in this life is the one who finds joy in God’s Word and delights in obeying Him.
Do you remember how Jesus spoke of those who are truly blessed (Matthew 5:3-11)?
This person is like a healthy, prosperous tree planted next to flowing water. All that is needed is provided. All spiritual blessings are only found in Jesus Christ (Ephesians 1:3).
“It is not outward prosperity which the Christian most desires and values; it is soul prosperity which he longs for.” - Spurgeon, The Treasury of David, 2.
The Chaff
The ungodly are not so, But are like the chaff which the wind drives away. Therefore the ungodly shall not stand in the judgment, Nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous. For the LORD knows the way of the righteous, But the way of the ungodly shall perish. (Psalm 1:4-6)
The ungodly follow after this world’s “wisdom,” and they are doomed because of their choice.
The ungodly reject God and refuse to follow His Word. They receive no joy from God’s Word - their joy is limited to the things of this world. Therefore, because their hope is placed in temporary things (Matthew 6:19-21), they will not be able to stand before God at the judgment.
The way itself that the ungodly walk will perish.
“The righteous go a way that God knows, and the wicked go a way that God destroys.” - Spurgeon, The Treasury of David, 8.
So we have a choice to make. We know the outcome of the two paths we could choose.
Which life will you choose?
Will you choose to submit to God and be like the tree planted by rivers of water? Or will you choose to reject God and be like the chaff, easily blown away like dust in the wind?