Psalm 1 And The Prosperity Of The Christian 4/4/2023

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by Robin McKinley

Prosperity has been a controversial subject among Christians. It shouldn’t be though, because God spoke about it in Psalm 1 and throughout the Bible.

When the Lord talks about prosperity, He doesn’t limit it to our finances. He will also meet our physical needs. But He is more concerned about our spiritual prosperity. He indicated by the way the Psalmist ended Psalm 1.

For the Lord watches over the path of the godly, but the path of the wicked leads to destruction. Psalm 1:6

The first 5 verses define for us how differently God will treat the godly compared to the wicked.

I’m sure that every Christian wants a life full of joy. The first verse advises us on who we shouldn’t be hanging out with.

Oh, the joys of those who do not follow the advice of the wicked, or stand around with sinners, or join in with mockers. Psalm 1:1

God Given Advice in Psalm 1 

Keep in mind advice is just that, advice. We are free to pal around with whomever we choose. But also keep in mind that reaping rewards or suffering consequences results from our choices.

The next couple of verses in this Psalm lays out for us the rewards of making godly decisions. Verse 2 says the godly will enjoy God’s Word.

But they delight in the law of the Lord, meditating on it day and night. Psalm 1:2

The Holy Spirit enlightens our understanding when we read and meditate on God’s Word. His Spirit also helps us to live within the bounds of His Word every day.

Verse 3 continues by indicating how well-rooted our lives will be when we make the right choices. It goes on to say that we will prosper in everything we do.

They are like trees planted along the riverbank, bearing fruit each season. Their leaves never wither, and they prosper in all they do. Psalm 1:3

The Hebrew word for prosper in this verse means to push forward. It carries the idea of thriving and succeeding in all we do.

When a Christian Becomes Prosperous 

Compare a tree planted beside a running stream with one planted in a dry parched desert. The one by the stream flourishes and produces fruit. Just like our delight in God’s Word can be nourishing and prosperous for us.

The person though who receives advice from the wicked and hangs out with sinners is like a parched tree. Spiritually that person is lifeless and almost dried up. The next couple of verses describes the wicked and their destination.

But not the wicked! They are like worthless chaff, scattered by the wind. They will be condemned at the time of judgment. Sinners will have no place among the godly.  Psalm 1:4-5

Answer this question for yourself. Do you want to enjoy the delight of God’s Word and His prosperity? Even if it’s not financially oriented as you walk in the path of the godly.

Or do you want to fit in and be accepted by the world? That involves following the counsel of the wicked, sinners, and mockers. 

Understand that if you do, you will walk on a path that leads to destruction. The decision is yours to make. It seems to me that this Psalm helps us make the right decision.

Words and intentions are good but our actions speak the loudest. Your actions will clearly demonstrate your choices. 

Verse three said, “you will prosper in all you do.” It doesn’t say you will prosper “in all you say or what you intend to do.”

Lord, thank you for paving the path for the godly so we can delight in your Word and prosper. Help us to make the right decisions with our actions being the evidence.

About the Author: 

Pastor RobinRobin, with his wife Cindy, became children’s evangelists early in their ministry. They ministered to children full time for 8 years. During that time they developed several children’s stories which were told with visuals and puppets.

Robin recently turned two of those stories into children’s books. One is called “The Contest,” a book about the Fruit of the Spirit, and the other is called “Twas the Night of Christmas”.  He has also authored 5 volumes of devotional books called, 3 Minutes Alone with God. Each entry is a product of his personal biblical Journaling.

These and his other writings are available on his website called Christian Perspectives at www.ramckinley.com. When you visit this site, you can sign-up for newly written devotions as they come out which will be emailed to you.

Presently Robin is the pastor of Calvary Christian Center in Pottstown, PA. He is an ordained minister with the Assemblies of God. He and his wife make their home in Birdsboro, Pa. He also serves as the president of the local ministerium. He and Cindy have two married sons and four grandchildren. 

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2 Comments

  1. Thank you for posting. I like Psalm 1. It is one that i remember quite well.

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