Blessed (Psalm 1) - Darren Rowse
On Sunday Darren shared with us a message based upon Psalm 1. Below you’ll find it both as a video and audio as well as a summary of his main points and some questions for reflection and small group discussion.
Darren's Sermon on Psalm 1: Living a Blessed Life
Darren's recent sermon on Psalm 1 offers an exploration of what it means to live a blessed life according to God's Word. Through an engaging examination of Hebrew concepts, he unpacked the depth of Psalm 1, illustrating how true blessedness comes from meditating on and delighting in the law of the Lord.
The Search for Happiness
Darren opened his message with reflections on the ubiquitous greeting of "Happy New Year," noting how it encapsulates the human longing for happiness and well-being. He observed that behind many of our New Year's resolutions is a desire to achieve happiness and prosperity in various areas of life, whether it be health, finances, or relationships.
Understanding the Concept of Blessing
Turning to Psalm 1, Darren highlighted the central theme of blessing. He explained that the Hebrew word for blessed, "Asher," conveys a state of enduring joy and well-being that is not dependent on external circumstances. Unlike fleeting happiness influenced by life events, this blessedness is a deep-seated joy rooted in God's presence and guidance.
Darren emphasized that this blessedness is a byproduct of seeking God, not a goal to be pursued directly. Quoting theologian Tim Keller, he shared, "Happiness or Asher can never be found directly. It’s always and only a byproduct of seeking something else more than happiness." This perspective challenges the cultural narrative that encourages people to chase after happiness for its own sake.
What the Blessed Person Avoids
Psalm 1 describes the blessed person by contrasting what they avoid and what they pursue. Darren pointed out the three actions the blessed one does not do: walk in step with the wicked, stand in the way that sinners take, or sit in the company of mockers. He explained how these actions represent a progression toward sin: first walking toward it, then standing in proximity to it, and finally sitting in it.
Drawing on Keller’s interpretation, Darren linked these actions to three areas of life: thinking, behaviour, and belonging. He posed three reflective questions for the congregation:
What will shape your thinking in 2025?
Who will guide your behaviour?
To whom or what will you belong?
Delighting in the Law of the Lord
The sermon then shifted focus to what the blessed person does: delight in the law of the Lord and meditate on it day and night. Darren unpacked the Hebrew word "Shefet," which can mean delight, purpose, or will. He explained that delighting in God’s law isn’t merely an emotional response but also an intentional act of engaging with His Word.
Understanding Torah
Darren explored the word "Torah," noting that it encompasses more than just laws and commandments. It refers to God’s divine instruction, guidance, and the framework for living a life pleasing to Him. The Torah includes stories, poetry, and laws that reveal God’s character and His desires for humanity.
The Practice of Meditation: Hagah
The sermon’s core message centred on the Hebrew word "Hagah," translated as "meditate." Darren shared that Hagah involves more than silent contemplation. It includes studying, murmuring, muttering, imagining, and even groaning or sighing. He cited Eugene Peterson’s analogy of a dog gnawing on a bone to illustrate the depth of engagement that Hagah entails.
Darren’s Personal Journey with Scripture
Darren reflected on his own relationship with Scripture, admitting that it hasn’t always been marked by delight. He shared personal stories of moments when the Bible came alive for him, such as reading the stories of Kings and Chronicles as a child or attending his first New Testament lecture in Bible college. However, he also acknowledged seasons of guilt, obligation, and dryness in his engagement with God’s Word.
Recently, Darren felt God challenging him to approach the Bible differently, leading him to adopt a more meditative practice.
Practical Steps to Engage with Scripture
Darren outlined practical steps for engaging with Scripture through Hagah:
Have a Plan: Darren recommended using a Bible reading plan to provide structure and consistency. He shared his own plan to read the entire Bible in a year using a five-day-a-week schedule.
Pray: He encouraged starting each reading session with a prayer, inviting God to speak through His Word.
Read Slowly: Darren emphasized the importance of slowing down and savouring the text, allowing it to sink in deeply.
Underline and Note Morsels: He suggested marking passages that resonate, make one curious, or evoke a strong reaction. These "morsels" can be carried throughout the day.
Carry It Into the Day: Darren shared his practice of setting reminders on his phone to revisit the day’s morsel at various times. This helps keep Scripture top of mind and facilitates ongoing meditation.
Respond and Apply: He encouraged journaling, discussing insights with others, and finding ways to apply the Word in daily life.
The Image of the Tree: A Life Rooted in God
The sermon concluded with a reflection on the image of a tree planted by streams of water from Psalm 1. Darren explained that the Hebrew word for "planted" can also mean "transplanted," suggesting that God moves us from barren places to places where we can flourish. The tree imagery symbolizes a life rooted in God, resulting in fruitfulness and endurance through all seasons.
Darren left the congregation with a powerful reminder: "Christianity is about being rooted in someone beyond yourself. And that someone is Jesus."
Questions for Small Group Discussion:
What are some ways you have sought happiness in your life? How does the concept of "Asher" differ from the world’s definition of happiness?
In what areas of your life might you be "walking in step with the wicked," "standing in the way of sinners," or "sitting in the company of mockers" without realizing it?
What steps can you take to ensure your thinking, behaviour, and belonging are shaped by God’s Word in 2025?
How can you practically bring the practice of "Hagah" into your daily life? What would meditating on Scripture look like for you?
Darren described moments when Scripture came alive for him. Share a time when a passage of Scripture spoke to you in a deep way. What made that moment meaningful?
What obstacles have you faced in finding delight in God’s Word? How can you overcome these challenges?
The image of a tree planted by streams of water suggests stability, nourishment, and fruitfulness. What steps can you take to ensure your life is rooted in Christ in the year ahead?
How can your small group support one another in meditating on Scripture and living out its truths?