
The blessed life is marked, first of all, by what it will not do – where it will not be – what it will not participate in! It is “counter-cultural” and believe me, I’m OK with that…
“Blessed is the man [i.e. the person] who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers…”
But the blessed life is also marked by what it does – the values it internalizes and lives by – time spent reading, reflecting, and relishing God’s word…
“But his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night”
And the result? A powerful image that reveals a nourished life, a fruitful life, a vibrant life!
That person “is like a tree planted by streams of water that yields it fruit in it season, and its leaf does not wither. IN ALL THAT HE DOES, HE PROSPERS!
Oh, and the sad contrast of imagery for “the wicked” – Those that live their own way – the way of the broader culture – NOT God’s way…
“The wicked are not so, but are like chaff which the wind drives away!”
The conclusion? “The Lord KNOWS the way of the righteous, but the way of the wicked will perish!”
One more time… I’ve made a quality decision! … I want to live “the blessed life!” How about you?