Be A "Benefit"

I recently began studying the Psalms in my time with God.  I have learned two things right off the bat.  One, I love my new ESV Study Bible.  You should get one.  Two, keeping a journal is important.  I have never been one to journal, but it keeps me focused and less distracted and it enables me to go back and review what I have studied.

I would like share some insights with you from Psalm 1.  Specifically verses 3 & 4.  You can read them here.  The writer, in verses 3 & 4, is contrasting the fruitfulness of two individuals.  He uses two similes that link to agriculture in ancient Palestine.


1.  Righteous Person
This is a tree that is planted in a very dry climate.  It kind of reminds me of the trees that are in my backyard that are now dead because of the severe drought that Oklahoma is experiencing.  However, this tree is different than the ones in my backyard.  It thrives because of its constant water supply.  It is piped into the source that makes it useful.  It bears fruit not for itself, but for others.  If the righteous person is described with theses characteristics it will prosper.  However, it will not prosper for its own self, but for the benefit of others.  This does not mean material possessions necessarily.  If my walk with the Lord is planted and connected to the source of nourishment, it will bear fruit and prosper not for the use of Derek, but for the benefit of others.

2.  Wicked Person
The wicked person is the same person that is described in verse 1.  This person lives an immoral life and does not care about the Lord's instruction.  This person is described as chaff.  Chaff is the husks and straw removed by threshing grain.  It is a very light substance that, when tossed into the air, is blown away by the wind.  Those people who reject God's instruction are like the chaff.  They are blown away and are no benefit to anyone.

I don't know about you, but I want to be a "benefit."  I don't want to live for my own prosperity and success, but to make every decision, no matter how insignificant, with the view of pleasing God by knowing and doing His Word (verse 2).  Be a "benefit."