Notes for Teacher/Facilitator
It is appropriate that the book of Psalms, a hymnal/prayer-book for ancient Israel, begins with Psalm 1. It sets the tone for all the songs and prayers to come. Psalm 1 is considered a wisdom psalm, meaning that in it the psalmist goes out of his way to focus on the practicality and usefulness of following God in all human endeavors since it is God who knows the best way navigate our treacherous human lives. Like many examples of wisdom literature in the Bible, such as Proverbs and Ecclesiastes, Psalm 1 presents the reader with two paths: one wise and godly, one unwise and harmful.
Word Studies
Here are a few notes about particular words in this psalm:
- “Blessed” can be understood as “happy” as long as we keep in mind not a temporary positive feeling but instead a lasting state of receiving from God what he has deemed as best for us.
- “Delight” here means more than a one-time or temporary positive feeling; instead it means to desire chiefly, that is, to reorient all of one’s life around something.
- “Law” doesn’t mean a list of rules found in the Bible but instead points to all of God’s instruction about how his people are to live wisely.
- “Righteous” at the same time means having a right relationship with God and expressing that right relationship with God outwardly toward others through exhibiting justice.
Introduction
- Open your class/community time with prayer. Ask the Spirit of God to reveal himself to all of you through the Scriptures and through your discussion together.
- It would be helpful to begin this lesson/discussion by highlighting the difference between worldly happiness and the happiness that only God can provide. Here are some ideas:
- make two lists side-by-side on a white board or a piece of butcher paper of words associated which each kind of happiness;
- have your class/community break up into groups of no more than 8 and have them discuss the differences between the two types of happiness; and/or
- have the teacher/facilitator share examples from her/his own experience that demonstrate the differences between the two kinds of happiness.
Bible Questions
- What does it mean to walk in step with the wicked, to stand in the way that sinners take, or to sit in the company of mockers? Why is it wise NOT to do these things? How would we who follow Jesus go about avoiding doing these things?
- Practically speaking, what do delighting in and meditating on the Law look like? Why do you think we so often neglect to follow this wise advice from the Lord?
- What about the tree imagery in verse 3 stands out to you the most? Why do you think this particular image does such a good job illustrating what the life centered on God’s word looks like?
- Verses 4 and 5 tell us that the wicked, that is, the unwise, will not win the day; their victories are shallow and temporary because they will wilt under the judgment of God. Does this truth give you comfort as you center your life on God’s word and wait patiently for the blessings of verse 3? Why or why not?
- “The Lord watches over the way of the righteous.” This does not mean that the Lord will cause all that happens in our lives to be perfect. What do you think it might mean instead?
Discussion Questions
- What does this psalm teach us about God that can cause us to want to love and worship him more and more?
- What role does community play in helping a follower of Jesus steer clear of the way of the wicked and instead to walk in step with the wise ways of the Lord?
- How can you communicate the truths of this passage to someone who does not yet follow Jesus? What do you think would resonate with them and what might be confusing?
Takeaway
Begin each day by praying: “Whatever happens today, I choose to follow your ways Lord!”
Challenge
Delight in and meditate on Psalm 1 each day this week. Write down any insights that arise as you do so. Come prepared next week to share your insights with the class/community.