In this beginning short poem of the Book of Psalms, the writer waxes eloquently about human
    condition in relation to God’s standards. The poem divides humanity into two realms. Godly
    folks occupy one realm. The other is made up of un-Godly persons. Simply put, persons
    observing God’s will are blessed indeed, while people neglecting divine expectations are not.

    The poet states that God influences the Godly through His presence and His laws. What laws
    is the poet talking about? The psalmist speaks about the laws governing creation. He refers
    to the physical, moral and spiritual laws by which God made the organic and inorganic world
    and sustains it to the present.  The Godly “delight” in functioning within the limitations set by
    God for human behavior. The Godly do not question God’s motives. Rather, they enjoy
    complying with all divine expectations. For the Godly, life is full. The poet uses a metaphor
    from the organic world, a tree growing by the riverside, whose roots are anchored within the
    water. Such tree is a natural evergreen, never seen a lack of water nutrients.

    The Godly are prosperous, not necessarily having the prosperity of wealth but the richness of
    an overall experience of success regardless of economic conditions. They use God’s laws to
    enhance their own existence. They understand that in life many things are determined while
    others are undetermined, and it is most important to know the difference. They work hard to
    modify changeable conditions while not getting desperate over unalterable circumstances.
    Rather than showing discontent for their relative fate, the Godly show satisfaction in good
    times and acceptance in bad situations. The Godly are mostly optimist individuals because
    they understand that this is God’s world; and humans, for whom God cares, are players in it.
    The Godly trust the Lord and wait for His redeeming promises. The Godly are assured of
    permanence.

    Prayer:
    Dear God, King of the universe, Lord of us all, we offer thanksgiving for the multiple blessings
    we have received from You. You are ever present in our lives, celebrating with us in our
    victories and suffering with us in times of tribulation. May your grace be sufficient for us for
    ever and ever. Amen.
THE FATE OF THE GODLY
Happy are those
who do not follow the advice of the wicked,
or take the path that sinners tread,
or sit in the seat of scoffers;
but their delight is in the law of the LORD,
and on his law they meditate day and night.

They are like trees
planted by streams of water,
which yield their fruit in its season,
and their leaves do not wither.
In all that they do, they prosper.
Psalms. 1:1-3.