Blessed is the man.

Psalm 1

Blessed is the man
    who walks not in the counsel of the wicked,
nor stands in the way of sinners,
    nor sits in the seat of scoffers;
² but his delight is in the law of the Lord,
    and on his law he meditates day and night.

³ He is like a tree
    planted by streams of water
that yields its fruit in its season,
    and its leaf does not wither.
In all that he does, he prospers.
⁴ The wicked are not so,
    but are like chaff that the wind drives away.

⁵ Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgment,
    nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous;
⁶ for the Lord knows the way of the righteous,
    but the way of the wicked will perish.

Blessed is the man.

I have a natural tendency to make a stronger connection to any Bible verses that I know through song. This is one of those verses, thanks to Integrity Music’s Scripture Memory Songs, that hangs out in my head the moment I see the first four words on this Psalm.

I enjoy the song and words on a singing level, but I know how God works — the more I hear His Word in whatever form, the more the words sink into my heart and soul. The reminders, the encouragement, the promises all flow in and through my heart and mind and encourage my spirit.

Blessed is the man
    who walks not in the counsel of the wicked,
nor stands in the way of sinners,
    nor sits in the seat of scoffers;
but his delight is in the law of the Lord,
    and on his law he meditates day and night.

He is like a tree
    planted by streams of water
that yields its fruit in its season,
    and its leaf does not wither.
In all that he does, he prospers.

I probably first heard this song 20+ years ago and it still brings me encouragement. What songs, hymns, and spiritual songs are encouraging to you? Have you listened to them recently?

And a side thought — Have you thought of those songs you want played at your funeral? What songs might bring encouragement to those who will mourn your passing? What are the words from Scripture you want them to hold onto?

I know, this PrayerPoint took a weird turn. But I am going to make a list of words and songs that are important to me today. They may change by the time my time comes to be face-to-face with Jesus, but who knows? We don’t know when our day will come but having thought out a few things ahead of time will make some things easier for those who have to carry on.