The book of Psalms
begins with the beatitudes, a form usually associated with wisdom literature. Because
Psalm 1 is a preface or introduction to the entire Psalter, the effect is to offer the
exclamation, "Happy are those . . ." as an interpretative clue both to this
particular psalm and to the whole Psalter. In some sense, all of the psalms will involve a
portrayal of what it means to be "happy" or "blessed."
John Calvin described Psalm 1 as having a teachable frame; by which he meant have a
reverence for Scripture, God’s written instruction as well as an openness to the new
ways in which God continues to act and be revealed in us.
The outcomes of one’s choice of ways are described by the first and last words of
the psalm. That choice will either make one "happy" or will lead one to
"perish." In short, the way one chooses is a matter of life and death. The
comprehensiveness of this choice is probably reinforced poetically by the fact that
"happy" begins with the first letter of the Hebrew alphabet, and
"perish" begins with the last letter-that is, Psalm 1 is an all-embracing
presentation of what it means to be "happy."
What makes you happy? How should
people today find happiness, if we listen to television, music, and ads? Where have you
searched for happiness? Where do you find it? What is the law of the Lord for you? [1]
One legacy we receive from the Hebrew writers is their dedication to the "law of
the LORD and to its significance in daily life. By meditating on scripture over and over,
this psalmist grows roots "like trees planted by streams of water." The
practice of lectio divina, or divine reading, is a way to become "rooted" in
scripture. Choose a verse and repeat it silently to yourself a few times. Listen to what
God may be saying to you. You may hear the Spirit ask, "How strong are your roots?
Are you planting yourself by streams of water? What are those streams?" [2]
Please refer to the DPS archives for a
homily based on this lesson.