We should not listen to the words of those who do not fear God. We should also not stand in the way of sinners. In this context, to stand means to serve or support. It is to wait for their commands and honor them. We should not honor nor support the sinner. We should also not sit with the mocker. This can mean people who do not respect other people. To sit with them is to be comfortable with them.
For us to grow in our relationship with God, we should be careful with the people we associate with or spend time with. Instead of listening to the counsel of the wicked, supporting the sinners and being comfortable with the mockers, the psalm tells us to delight in the Law of the Lord and meditate on it day and night.
Instead of wasting our time in useless endeavors with those who do not know God, we should spend our time reflecting on the Law of the Lord day and night. The wicked does not only mean people. It can mean our activities. The books we read, the movies we watch, the music we listen to, the places we go. Media has shaped the way culture thinks. Some Catholics even buy into their agenda. I believe the reason for this is really ignorance of God's word.
God's word is a delight. Many people think it is a chain that prevents them from enjoying life. But if one looks at it, even in society, we have laws that aim to protect us from harm. When driving, there is law that prevents us from driving beyond the speed limit. That law intends to keep us safe. People who break that law put themselves and others at risk. The speeding law was not initiated to hinder us from enjoying our ride. It is there to protect our lives.
When one finds delight in the Law and when one reflects on the Law day and night, the psalm compares this person to a tree planted by streams of water. A tree planted by streams of water is always green. It is assured of nutrients all year round, as long as there is water. It bears fruit in season. God does not expect us to bear fruit always. He expects us to bear fruit in season.
The psalm also says, "whatever he shall do shall prosper". This is sometimes difficult to see. We often see believers fail. But we should look at the end result. If one looks at it, even Jesus failed. Many people did not believe him. He was not able to do miracles in Nazareth when he went back because many did not believe in him. He was in fact killed because many people could not accept what he said. If we look at things this way, he was a failure.
These are difficulties along the path of victory. In the end, Jesus rose from the dead and he won over death. He was victorious! So we too will have our share of difficulties. We too will have to suffer failures. But these do not mean we failed. These are just things that make the victory more sweet. There is a caution here though. One may be so focused on what we do, that we forget to ask if what we are doing is according to the plan of God.
Not only should we delight in God's Law. We should also meditate on it day and night. We should always reflect on the will of God. When failures come, and even during our successes, we should stop and ask if this is the will of the Lord. Just because we are successful does not mean it is what God wants us to do. The Jewish leaders during the time of Jesus were successful in killing Jesus. But it did not mean what they did was right. They probably even thought they were doing something for God.
Our success or failure then does not indicate the level of our relationship with God. The psalm reminds us of this. The wicked may look like they succeed, but their success is temporary. They will be swept away when time comes.
God knows the way of the righteous. This knowing means assurance. God assures the way of the righteous while the wicked will be lost. Presented here then are two choices. One is a path leading to security and peace. The other is a path leading to destruction. Which one do we choose?
Lord, help me to delight in your Law and may it always be in my mind so I may bear fruit in season.
