Read one chapter a day
Psalm 1:1-6. February 23, 2023 - Thursday after Ash Wednesday
At the beginning of the Psalter, Psalm 1 raises a question: how to live? The author suggests a lifestyle that is centred on meditating on the Bible. The one who does it is blessed. The practice leads to happiness, longevity, and prosperity described with a metaphor of “a tree planted near running water”.
The first psalm of the Psalter also presents the main characters in life: the Lord, the righteous, and the wicked. The Lord is the Giver of the instructions that when put into practice assures a truly successful life. The righteous ones find delight in God’s instructions and meditate upon them day and night. On the other hand, the wicked follow their way. They disregard the law of God and oppose the righteous.
There are many benefits of reading. For example, it increases general knowledge, improves literacy, and teaches empathy. There are also many benefits of meditation. For example, it raises awareness, reduces stress, and enhances creativity. And what are the benefits of reading and pondering God’s word day and night? Aside from having the same benefits as reading and meditating, it has a transformative effect. Prophet Isaiah compared the word of God to rain and snow that water the earth making it flourish with life (see Is 55:10-11). And the author of the letter to the Hebrews describes the word of God as living and active (Heb. 4:12). Anyone who reads the Bible cannot remain the same.
There is power in the Bible. When we meditate on the word of God day and night, we get to know our God and the history of our salvation. The word of God transforms us from within and shapes our moral behaviour. There are countless stories of people who through the reading of the Bible were set free from addictions, liberated from fears and phobias, and empowered to begin a new life.
If the one who reads the Bible is compared to a tree planted by the streams of living waters, the wicked are compared to chaff “which the wind drives away”. The psalm indicates that there are only two choices in life: for and against God. The best commentary on this truth is in the Gospel of Matthew. Our Lord contrasts the narrow gate and the hard way with the wide gate and the easy way. The first one leads to life and the other to destruction (see Matt 7:13-14).
If you have not done it yet, I encourage you to pick up your Bible and begin to read it. Begin with the New Testament. Take one chapter a day but read everyday. You will be surprise by the impact of this spiritual practice on your life.