Preface to God's Hymnal
The sermon emphasizes the importance of delighting in God's Word and meditating on it constantly to prepare oneself for God's blessings and to experience stability and strength in times of trial.
Warren Wiersbe preaches on the importance of delighting in the Word of God, emphasizing that what we delight in directs our lives. He compares the blessed person to a tree with deep roots, contrasting them with the ungodly who are like chaff blown away by the wind. Wiersbe highlights the significance of meditating on God's Word to strengthen our spiritual root system, which is essential for nourishment, stability, and strength during life's storms.
Text
Read Psalm 1:1-6
Have you ever read the preface to the hymnal used in your church? Few people ever do. The preface to God's hymnal (the Book of Psalms) is Psalm 1. It begins with a word we often use--blessed. Nowhere does Scripture tell us that God blesses programs or promotions. But it does teach that He blesses individuals. He blessed Abraham so he might be a blessing to others. And He blesses us so we might bless others.
What you delight in is what will direct your life, so be careful what you enjoy. The blessed person delights in the Law of the Lord (v. 2). He delights so much in the Word of God that he meditates on it during the day. Meditation is to the soul what digestion is to the body. It means assimilating the Word of God.
The blessed person is like a tree (v. 3). A tree has roots. The most important part of your life is your "root system." Don't be like the ungodly, who are like chaff (v. 4). Chaff doesn't have roots. It is blown away by every wind that comes along. Your root system is important because it determines your nourishment. It also determines your stability and your strength when the storm comes and the wind starts to blow.
People can't see your root system, but God can. Praying and meditating on the Word of God will cause your roots to go down deep into His love.
God delights in blessing His children. But we must prepare ourselves for His blessings by first appropriating the resources He has given us. Delight in the Word of God and feed on it. But do more than occasionally read the Word; meditate on it constantly. Make it your source of spiritual nourishment, and God will bless you with strength and stability.
Sermon Outline
- The Preface to God's Hymnal
- The Importance of Delighting in God's Word
- The Root System of the Blessed Person
- Preparing for God's Blessings
Key Quotes
“What you delight in is what will direct your life, so be careful what you enjoy.” — Warren Wiersbe
“Meditation is to the soul what digestion is to the body.” — Warren Wiersbe
“Praying and meditating on the Word of God will cause your roots to go down deep into His love.” — Warren Wiersbe
Application Points
- Make a conscious effort to delight in the Word of God and meditate on it constantly.
- Recognize the importance of your root system and prioritize spiritual nourishment.
- Prepare yourself for God's blessings by appropriating the resources He has given you.