As we continue the study of Psalm 1 it begins “Blessed (Happy) is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked, or stand in the way of sinners, or take seat in the company of mockers…” Picture this Psalm boldly asking the question, “Who are your friends?” It doesn’t say blessed is the one who’s not a sinner, it says blessed is the one who doesn’t hang out with sinners. Did you catch that? Blessed is the one who doesn’t walk with or chill out with sinners.

As a Pastor, I can’t tell you how many times I have heard from a grieving mother or father who lost a child to some untimely tragedy, whether it was due to an accident or drugs. They always say, “He was a good boy, he just hung out with the wrong crowd.”  Or, “She was a good girl, she just had the wrong friends.”

Do you see what’s happening here? We need to pay close attention to our relationships. This Psalm states that if you abide in these improper friendships, then your life will just wither away, or shrivel up.  You will go from a walking person to a standing person, and then to a sitting person — not doing anything of value or importance in your life.

Friend, I want to encourage you to have the opposite of a shriveling life. I want you to have a growing life. This life is rooted like a tree in streams and water. Branches go out, and it just produces fruit in its season. Whatever these blessed relationships engage in will prosper. In essence, a happy life comes from a good life. Do you believe the word of the Lord?