Blessed is the person who does not seek the counsel of, nor has fellowship with the wicked (Ps 1:1). David was consistent in demonstrating his faith and obedience to God in his life. On the basis of this, he pleads with God to spare him the inheritance of wicked, thus, “Do not sweep my soul away with sinners, nor my life with bloodthirsty men” (v9). How does God’s goodness and uprightness preserve us in the Christian life?
God’s unyielding love empowers faithfulness (v3-5). God’s love was effectual in producing obedience in David’s life, thus he says, “For your steadfast love is before my eyes, and I walk in your faithfulness.” Though David was not sinless, he endeavored to follow God in the strength he supplied. Likewise, Christ is our righteousness. His unwavering love for his people has been poured out in us. If we yield to the leadership of his Spirit, we will not live a life of the unregenerate (unbelievers, which was our old nature and its old way of living) who worships at the altar of falsehood (cf. Gal 5:16-26). Because of God’s righteousness reigning within us, we leads us away from their gatherings where the hatch plans of evil and delight in iniquity. We will not be numbered among their fellowship of deceit, thus David affirms his integrity in this matter, “I hate the assembly of evildoers, and I will not sit with the wicked” (v5).
God, Spirit and Truth (v6-8). David worshipped God with sincerity (which included a clear conscience). He says, “I wash my hands in innocence and go around your altar, O Lord, (7) proclaiming thanksgiving aloud, and telling all your wondrous deeds.” The Christian life is one of confession of sin and repentance. Approaching God with transparency and humility is foundational to worship. We offer our petitions with thanksgiving and give him praise because the Bible teaches us that God is faithful and just to forgive our sins and cleanse us of all unrighteousness (1 Jn 1:9). Further, when we place our faith in God for our righteousness, we will be not numbered with the wicked, who David says, “…hands are evil devices, and whose right hands are full of bribes” (v10).
God justifies and redeems us through Jesus Christ (v9-12). Rejection (i.e., entrance into the eternal kingdom denied) and condemnation is the inheritance of the wicked. David’s faith was anchored on this truth, which produced a life of praise and thanksgiving among the very people he was anointed to shepherd, thus he ends this Psalm, “My foot stands on level ground; in the great assembly I will bless the Lord.” How much more should our life be one of worship? We have a Heavenly Father who performed all the requirements of righteousness on our behalf as a demonstration of his steadfast love and mercy. What encouragement should be it for us daily to know that God is for his children and not against us? What greater love is there to boast in that we serve a Holy God who has washed us in the blood of his Son? Our sins are wiped out of His presence that we may come “around his altar” to testify of his goodness aloud, and tell all of his wonderful good news? This is what it truly means to bless the Lord at all times, that his praise be found continually in our mouths! Why do we do this? Because like David, we have tasted and seen that God is good! We are assured that our souls are not swept away with unbelievers. Christ is the reason this is true! Glory be to his name forever and ever! Amen.
Blessings,
Dr. Jason S. Price, Th.D.
www.springoflivingwaters.com