For several months I have been deriving my Lesson Thoughts here on the Website from the Book of Psalms. I suspect that some of you have discerned that fact.

Today Psalm 119 (the longest chapter in the Bible) should be our Text that’s up for discussion.

Note the first word in the Chapter please, “Blessed!”

The first verse … “Blessed are the undefiled in the way, who walk in the law of the LORD.” Psalm 119:1, where the “Law of the Lord” means the Word of God, the whole Bible. The modifier “blessed” is “esher” or “asher” in Hebrew, also meaning “happy” in God’s Eyes! My point here … THE SCRIPTURE CONTRIBUES TO A CHRISTIAN’S HAPPINESS! (1st John 1:4 proves this point as well … “These things write we unto you, that your joy may be full.Then I wondered to myself, “What other Psalms begin with that glorious word, “blessed?”

Here’s what I found, and surprisingly few at that …

Psalm 1 … “Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful.” Here is the blessedness (happiness) of being really godly! Separate from sinners! Clean and pure in one’s living!

Psalm 32 … “Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered.” Which certainly speaks for itself … the sinful man who has learned to confess and forsake his wrongs … he is indeed blessed, happy in the Lord!

Next in line … Psalm 41 begins … “Blessed is he that considereth the poor: the LORD will deliver him in time of trouble.” Now we are considering the happy “generous man!” He helps the poor among his neighbors. Strangers too, according to the Old Testament (and Jesus).

Then Psalm 128 … “Blessed is everyone that feareth the LORD; that walketh in his ways.” The reverent (describing the man or woman who truly “fears” the Lord) Believer who continues to walk in God’s Ways, obediently and consistently, faithfully! Yes, he or she would be happy! Worshipping one’s way to happiness, blessedness!

Last of all, Psalm 144 … “Blessed be the LORD my strength, which teacheth my hands to war, and my fingers to fight.” The happy warrior, Christian soldier who fights (and conquers) evil and Satan day by day! Taught his martial skills by the Lord Himself!

What a list … the separated man (Psalm 1), the forgiven man (Psalm 32), the unselfish man (Psalm 41), the Bible-centered man (Psalm 119), the God-fearing man (Psalm 128), and the “whole-armour” equipped man (Psalm 144)!

Worth studying further!

— Dr. Mike Bagwell

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