The Blessed Life, pt. 2

Psalm 1 brings great consolation and guidance to those who trust the Lord. Picking up from last week:

Verse 4 says, "The wicked are not so, but are like chaff that the wind drives away." 

Verse three talked about the rich blessings that are found by trusting God and living for Him. But "the wicked," on the other hand, "are not so." In other words, while we are alienated from God, we have no hope, no true freedom or security, and no future... except the future discussed in verse 5 below. The wicked can turn to God by faith in Christ, but if not, they "are like chaff that the wind drives away." They are here; they are gone. And they have nothing to show for it after this life, as verse 5 plays out.

Verse 5 says, "Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous." 

This refers to the final judgment when believers in God will be united with Him in eternal glory, and unbelievers will be driven from His presence into eternal torment. Wickedness, because of the puffed-up feelings of pride and the indulgent pleasures of sin, feels good for the moment, but those good feelings are an illusion. They will not last. In the end, wickedness is not enjoyable, but tragic and regrettable.

Verse 6 says, "for the LORD knows the way of the righteous, but the way of the wicked will perish." 

This means God not only watches over His children -- by His providential care, mercy, guidance, and discipline -- but He also has secured our future and keeps our future by His power and faithfulness. That is, Christ has secured a glorious inheritance for us in heaven, and nothing in heaven and earth can take away the treasure that Christ has secured. 

The Lord "knows the way." He has secured the way. He has put us on the way. He will keep us on the way. The Lord is faithful to carry you home.