This psalm is a reminder to stick close to God, for He is our sole source of life.
“Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked or stand in the way that sinners take or sit in the company of mockers, but whose delight is in the law of the Lord, and who meditates on his law day and night. That person is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither – whatever they do prospers.” (v1-3)
The analogy here is something those in the Middle East would have understood – since it was a fairly dry area, only vegetation in areas of heavy rain, or located near a water source would thrive. Those who commit being in God’s presence are like the trees planted on the shore – they will thrive for many seasons.
There are many reminders in scripture that God is our source of our spiritual and physical life: Gen 2:7; Acts 17:25; Neh 9:6; 1 Tim 6:13. And many references to life-giving water or living water: John 7:38; John 4:14; Rev 22:1-2; Eze 47:9.
In contrast, we are warned “Not so the wicked! They are like chaff that the wind blows away. Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the assembly of the righteous.” (v4-5) Even though wickedness may prosper temporarily, it will be short-lived and will not survive into eternity. “For the sun rises with a scorching wind and withers the grass; and its flower falls off and the beauty of its appearance is destroyed; so too the rich man in the midst of his pursuits will fade away.” (Jam 1:11)
Be blessed in the Lord’s presence today, resting on His shores, drinking the water that only He can provide, knowing that “the Lord watches over the way of the righteous” and “The Spirit of God has made me, And the breath of the Almighty gives me life.” (Job 33:4)
~ Conqueror in Training