7 Marks of the Godly from Psalm 1

"Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked or stand in the way of sinners or sit in the seat of mockers. But his delight is in the law of the LORD, and on his law he meditates day and night. He is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither. Whatever he does prospers...For the LORD watches over the way of the
righteous, but the way of the wicked will perish." v. 1-3, 6

1. His life is blessed - “Blessed is the one….” v. 1 - He is blessed by God. He prospers. He is happy, he knows God has good in store. This doesn't necessarily refer only to the external blessings that we can see on the outside, but the internal blessings of a life that is complete and secure in God. It doesn't mean he never has a bad day or that he doesn't face struggles and trials, but that in whatever he walks through in this life, he believes the Lord has ultimate good and purpose in it all.
2. He keeps himself from evil - He “does not walk in step with the wicked or stand in the way that sinners take or sit in the company of mockers…”v. 1 - He has a walk of integrity, humility, dependence upon God, and lives a life of self-control.  He chooses to set himself apart from sin, temptation, or those who walk contrary to God’s ways. He knows the importance of surrounding himself with those who challenge him in truth and makes wise choices for living.
3. He has a love for God’s truth - He is the one “whose delight is in the law of the Lord, and who meditates on his law day and night.” v. 2 - He has a heart and love for God’s word.  He immerses himself in the Word, spends time reading it, and thinking about it throughout the day. It is his very guide for life; he lives by it, leads by it, and seeks to know God’s wisdom.
4. He lives a life of strength – He “is like a tree planted by streams of water…” v. 3 - His character is strong. He is wise.  He knows where life is found, and knows where to plant himself. His roots dig down deep into the foundation of God’s truth. He soaks up truth to nourish his spirit.  The water he draws from is not stagnant or stale, but he receives a constant supply from the fresh flowing stream of living water that never runs dry. He depends on God for life itself. Even in intense times of trial, when drought, heat, and darkness in the world surround him, he is not affected, because he draws from the Source that gives true life.
5. He has a fruit-filled life - His life “yields its fruit in season…” v. 3 - There is good that comes from the life of the godly. He has positive, valuable, and fruitful, influence on the lives of those around him. The fruits of God’s spirit are evidenced in his life - love, joy, peace, patience, goodness, kindness, gentleness, faithfulness, self-control.  He trusts God through every season of life.  He waits for Him, for His timing. He acknowledges his deep dependency on Him.
6. God’s favor is with him - He is the one “whose leaf does not wither—whatever they do prospers.” v. 3 - He is prosperous. He works hard. He does not run dry, for God is with Him, equipping, filling, and blessing. His spirit is healthy, active, and growing. God’s favor is evident in his life, and he is successful in all that He calls him to do. It is not mere outward prosperity that is the true measure of God’s favor; but a deeper, more significant soul prosperity.
7. God watches over his way - “For the Lord watches over the way of the righteous…” v. 6 - He walks close to God. God protects him and knows, or watches over his way.  His eyes are towards him and His ears are open to his prayers. His future is secure and safe in God’s hands. No matter what he is up against, even in the face of death, God is with him, both in this life and the next.