Psalm 1 (along with Psalm 2) introduces the book of Psalms as a whole. It does so by implying a comparison of the five books of the Psalms (Book 1: 1–41; Book 2: 42–72; Book 3: 73–89; Book 4: 90–107; Book 5: 107–150) with the first five books of the Bible, known to the Jewish tradition as the “Torah.” This Hebrew word “torah” can mean “law” or “instruction.” In this sense, the editors of the final form of the book of psalms is advising the reader to consider the book of Psalms as a book of instruction.
But in what way is a collection of prayers and songs “instruction”? The book of psalms is a book that instructs believers on how to pray.
Now, with all of that out of the way, we also find a simile in Psalm 1 in which the psalmist posits that people who meditate on the torah day and night are much like a tree that is planted by streams of water. The psalmist goes on to specify that this tree produces fruit in its season, and its leaves do not wither in the hot sun. In other words, this is a healthy tree.
What is the psalmist telling us? He’s telling us that if you want a healthy and blessed life, make God’s word, namely praying the Psalms, a priority. Put succinctly, when in difficulty, pray more and look to God’s word.
Our country and culture are in difficulty. Amongst all the division and heart-break, folks in all areas of the political spectrum would agree to that much (I think). More specifically still, politics is becoming a primary factor causing division among believers. This grieves the Holy Spirit (see John 13:35).
Following the instruction of the psalmist, we need to pray. The church, both individually and collectively, needs to make prayer a priority.
A famous member of the church militant of the 20th century became a member of the church triumphant this week: Rev. Billy Graham. Rev. Graham says this about prayer: “Have you ever said, ‘Well, all we can do now is pray’?–When we come to the end of ourselves, we come to the beginning of God” (Hope for the Troubled Heart, 1991).
I think that some of what Rev. Graham meant by this was that when we turn to talk to God, who is by nature superior to humanity, we automatically take on a posture of humility. This is what prayer does for us. It helps us break the habit of pride. Show me a proud man and I’ll show you someone who prays little. Pride is The Problem. It is the problem in every sector from church to politics.
2 Chronicles 7:14 says, “If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.”
