Happiness from Psalm 1 continued
The first part of the Bible study of "Happiness from Psalm 1" went over verses 1 and 2 of the Psalm. These verses taught how an individual can be happy. This time the study will take a look at section 2 of Psalm 1, the evidences of happiness in a person’s life. What characteristics will be in your life if you are truly happy?
Evidences of Hapiness
Verse 3, “And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.”
1. You will flourish like a tree planted by the rivers of water
A happy man is one who has meditated on God’s word. His heart is full of God’s word, and the “River of the Word of God” nourishes his soul. His soul takes deep root downward and becomes firmly established. The temptations of the deceiver do not overcome him. The influences of the worldly throng do not sway him. His heart is fixed, and his life is filled with the power of God’s word.
2. You will bear fruit, healthy fruit and in the right season
The fruit that a happy man brings forth comes as a result of the work of the word of God in His life. The word of God equips him for every good word and work. He will know when to speak and just what to say. The words of his lips will be full of grace because they will be influenced by the word of God. His actions will be just and kind and right. None of this fruit bearing will be of this righteous man’s own doing, but of God’s doing, for he will be lost in his God. He will realize the truth of John 15:4,5 where Jesus says, “Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me. I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.”
3. God will make all your works to prosper
Because all of a happy man’s words and works are fruit produced from abiding in Christ, this fruit will be without blemish or decay. A happy man's testimony will remain pure, his soul will be strong, and his words and works will be effective in the furtherance of God’s kingdom. He has learned the effectiveness of living by the principle of Joshua 1:8, “This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success.”
Thank you for taking the time to read this Bible study. May God use it to be a blessing to you.