Reflection on Psalm 1:1 — The Power and Danger of Counsel

The Bible emphatically declares in the Psalms that “the word of the Lord is pure, tried in the furnace of the earth seven times.” This purity underscores the divine perfection and reliability of God’s word. Psalm 1, in particular, invites us into deep reflection even before delving into the rest of the book of Psalms. It lays a foundation for understanding the blessed life—one rooted in godly principles and choices.

The first verse reads:

“Blessed is the man that walks not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of the scornful.”

This verse gives a clear instruction with a sure promise: if you avoid ungodly influences, you will be blessed. But if you ignore this instruction, you will—figuratively speaking—be “gathering firewood filled with ants,” inviting unnecessary trouble and loss.

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Understanding Counsel

The dictionary defines counsel as advice or guidance given to someone to help them resolve a problem or make a decision.

Biblically, counsel carries a deeper meaning.

• Isaiah 25:1 describes it as “faithfulness and truth.” Godly counsel is therefore advice rooted in integrity, truth, and divine guidance.
• Proverbs 15:22 teaches that “without counsel purposes are disappointed, but in the multitude of counsellors they are established.” In other words, godly counsel brings clarity and fulfilment of purpose.
• Proverbs 19:20 says, “Hear counsel and receive instruction, that thou mayest be wise in thy latter end.” This means that wise counsel safeguards your future and leads to fulfilment.
• Proverbs 24:6 adds, “In the multitude of counsellors there is safety.” Indeed, godly counsel provides direction, protection, and success.

Even David had a counsellor—Ahithophel—whose advice was so sound that Scripture says it was “as if a man had inquired at the oracle of God.” (2 Samuel 16:23). Godly counsel provides divine direction and helps one avoid pitfalls and regrets. It flows from wisdom born of spiritual insight, as James 3:17 reminds us:

“The wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, easy to be entreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy.”

Such counsel bears good fruit, is merciful, sincere, and leads to peace.

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Examples of Godly Counsel

In Exodus 18, Moses received wise counsel from his father-in-law Jethro. Jethro advised him to delegate responsibilities to capable men so he wouldn’t wear himself out. This counsel redirected Moses toward efficiency and longevity in ministry.

Godly counsel aligns with God’s will and reveals divine solutions to human problems. As Job 14:1 notes, “Man that is born of a woman is of few days and full of trouble,” but godly counsel confronts and overcomes those troubles.

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Understanding Ungodly Counsel

Ungodly counsel, by contrast, leads to destruction. It is the product of a subtle, crafty mind—the kind associated with the devil, who supervises its application. It is deceitful, appealing, and usually aligns with the desires of a person’s carnal heart.

1. David and the Men of Belial (1 Samuel 30:19–20)

When David recovered all that the Amalekites had taken, some wicked men—called “men of Belial”—advised that those who stayed behind should not share in the spoils. That was ungodly counsel, but David rejected it and followed godly wisdom, ensuring fairness for all.

2. Eve and the Serpent (Genesis 3:6)

The first ungodly counsel appeared in Eden. The serpent subtly appealed to Eve’s desire by questioning God’s word. The counsel aligned with her inner curiosity and desire for wisdom, leading her into disobedience and downfall. Subtle desires often attract subtle, destructive counsel.

3. Amnon and Jonadab (2 Samuel 13)

Amnon lusted after his half-sister Tamar until he became sick. His cousin Jonadab—described as “a very subtle man”—gave him wicked advice to pretend illness and lure Tamar into his chamber. Amnon followed this ungodly counsel, defiled Tamar, and was eventually killed by Absalom’s men. Ungodly counsel often offers quick, sinful solutions that end in death.

4. Presumptuous and Enticing Counsel

Deuteronomy 18:22 warns against prophets who speak presumptuously in God’s name. Likewise, in 2 Chronicles 18, Ahab’s prophets gave him enticing but false counsel, promising victory in battle when destruction awaited him. A lying spirit deceived them, and Ahab died as a result.

In 1 Kings 13, a young prophet disobeyed God’s direct instruction because he believed the word of an older prophet who claimed to have heard from an angel. That disobedience cost him his life. Ungodly counsel may come from seemingly spiritual sources but will always contradict God’s word.

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Modern Examples of Ungodly Counsel

Ungodly counsel still destroys lives today.

• A young Christian woman once yielded to parental pressure to compromise her purity in order to secure a job. The act led to pregnancy and a fatal abortion.
• Another young girl, counselled by a deceitful woman that sexual activity would enhance her body’s development, followed the advice and also died from the consequences.

Ungodly counsel appears attractive, logical, or helpful, but its end is ruin.

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Saul’s Disobedience

King Saul fell into ungodly counsel when he disobeyed God’s instruction in favour of his men’s advice. This rebellion led to his rejection as king and ultimately his death. Job aptly describes such advisers as “miserable counsellors.”

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The Consequences of Ungodly Counsel

Ungodly counsel:

• Leads to confusion and defeat (Psalm 94:20)
• Opens the door for wickedness
• Draws you away from God
• Delays destiny and kills purpose
• Appears good outwardly but is deceptive inside

Rehoboam, Solomon’s son, rejected the counsel of the elders and followed the reckless advice of his peers. This single act caused the division of Israel and the loss of ten tribes (1 Kings 12).

Ungodly counsel is the path of failure, sorrow, and death.

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Choosing the Right Counsel

Every counsel must be tested against God’s Word.
Deuteronomy 18:18 reminds us:

“I will raise them up a Prophet like unto thee, and will put my words in his mouth; and he shall speak unto them all that I shall command him.”

Therefore, ask yourself:

• Which counsel do I follow?
• Does it align with God’s Word?

Ungodly counsel flows from those who deny God’s authority—fools, humanists, philosophers, spiritists, sorcerers, and idolaters. But godly counsel leads to peace, prosperity, and eternal life.

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Conclusion

Psalm 1:1 calls every believer to a life of discernment. True blessing begins by rejecting ungodly counsel and embracing godly wisdom. The one who heeds divine counsel shall flourish “like a tree planted by the rivers of water,” bringing forth fruit in due season.

Prayer

Godly counsel replace every ungodly counsel in my heart in Jesus name.

Courage

Psalm 46:10 – “Be still, and know that I am God.”

1 Kings 19:8–13 tells us about Elijah’s encounter with God at Mount Horeb. When Elijah arrived, he waited expectantly to hear God’s voice. A powerful wind tore through the mountain, shattering rocks—but God was not in the wind. Next came an earthquake, but God was not in it either. Then came a consuming fire, yet God was not in the fire. Finally, there came a gentle whisper—a still small voice—and it was then that Elijah heard God and received His message. Notice how the presence of God was not found in the noise and turbulence but in silence.

In the New Testament, when the Pharisees brought to Jesus a woman caught in adultery (John 8:1–11), the atmosphere was filled with noise, arguments, and accusations. But Jesus stooped down and wrote on the ground in silence. His silence calmed the crowd, compelling them to quiet down and wait for His response. When He finally spoke, His words carried power: “Let any one of you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her.” One by one, the accusers left, leaving peace in their wake. Out of that silence came mercy and restoration, as Jesus told the woman: “Go and sin no more.”

Jesus Himself emphasized the importance of Spirit-led speech. In Luke 21:15, He promised: “For I will give you words and wisdom that none of your adversaries will be able to resist or contradict.” Similarly, in Matthew 10:19, He said: “Do not worry about what to say or how to say it. At that time you will be given what to say.” Jesus often waited in silence before speaking, allowing the Holy Spirit to guide His words.

Silence is not weakness—it is strength. Isaiah 30:15 declares: “In quietness and confidence shall be your strength.” Silence is the discipline of being still in the midst of noise. It helps us control our emotions, strengthen our reasoning, and create space for God’s voice.

Job 33:15–17 tells us that in the quietness of the night, when people are asleep, God seals their ears with instruction. A noisy life cannot hear from God. Silence becomes a channel of revelation.

Silence also promotes peace. Dr. D.K. Olukoya once told the story of a woman battered constantly by her husband. Seeking a solution, she went to a native doctor who gave her a stone with instructions: each time her husband tried to provoke her, she should put the stone in her mouth and keep silent. She obeyed, and gradually peace returned to her home—not because of the stone, but because silence removed the fuel for conflict.

Silence is a mark of maturity. It guards us from foolish speech, helps us learn better, and protects us in times of danger. Proverbs reminds us that even a fool is considered wise if he keeps silent.

Sometimes the greatest wisdom is to say nothing. Silence incubates patience, prevents regret, and opens the door for God’s voice.

Silence is not emptiness; it is a sanctuary where God speaks

Prayer

1. Power of silence, fall upon me in Jesus name

2. Every power of noise engineering my life get out in the name of Jesus Christ

The impossibility was real, staring them in the face. Naomi had come to her undoing. She had lost everything—her precious husband and sons—leaving her with only two daughters-in-law. Suddenly, Naomi realised that the land had made her life bitter. She decided to retrace her steps back to the land of bread, Bethlehem-Judah, the very place she had once fled.

But Ruth looked beyond the impossibility that confronted them so starkly. She possessed the courage to face the seemingly insurmountable obstacles ahead. After Naomi had rehearsed the impossibility of recovering, Ruth chose to see things differently. She envisioned a future, declaring her desire to meet Naomi’s God and become part of her people. Determined to embrace Naomi’s people and their God, Ruth renounced her own god—the idol worshipped by the Moabites, her country of origin. She was longing for a real relationship with the true God. Perhaps Ruth wondered why Naomi had ever left such a people and a God to come to Moab, a nation born of incest.

Ruth possessed a vision and faith that reached beyond what Naomi could comprehend, even when circumstances appeared insurmountable. Her longing for God, her deep spiritual thirst, and her earnest desire for a genuine relationship with Him became evident. As these desires took root, everything began to align in her favour, leading to moments of joy, celebration, and a renewed sense of hope both for herself and Naomi, her mother-in-law.

Ruth’s resolute decisions and steadfast determination brought her favour and comfort. She was honoured and, through her unwavering trust, became connected to God’s divine purpose. Remarkably, it was through Ruth’s lineage that Jesus was ultimately manifested, securing her place in the history of salvation and illustrating the profound impact of her faith and actions.

As you take steps like Ruth to  run from every encumbrances of sin and renounce every idol in l your life  you shall be restored , you shall recover , you shall be favoured,  you shall be comforted and honoured in Jesus Name.  meditate on Psalm105:1-end and pray  and claim the prophetic blessings therein.

The scriptures make clear the consequences of pride and the virtue of humility. Proverbs 16:18 states, “Pride goes before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall.” In James 4:7, it is written, “God resisted the proud and gives grace to the humble.” Likewise, in 1 Samuel 2:8, the Lord is described as one who “raises the poor out of the dust and lifts the beggar out of the dunghill.” These verses set the stage for understanding the spiritual danger inherent in pride and the necessity of remaining humble before God.

King Saul’s journey, as chronicled in 1 Samuel 15, vividly illustrates the peril of pride. Saul was chosen from an unlikely tribe and elevated to kingship when, in Samuel’s words, he was “little in [his] own eyes” (1 Samuel 15:17). His rise was not due to personal merit, but by God’s sovereign choice. However, Saul’s attitude changed as pride crept in, causing him to lose sight of his humble beginnings and his dependence on God. When Saul received God’s clear instructions through the prophet Samuel, he understood what was required of him. Nevertheless, pride led Saul to interpret and carry out God’s command on his own terms. In 1 Samuel 15:15, Saul justified his disobedience by claiming that what was kept from destruction would be used as a sacrifice “unto the Lord thy God”—notably shifting the reference of God from personal to Samuel’s. This subtle change signalled Saul’s growing distance from God.

On multiple occasions, Saul refused to accept responsibility for his actions. In verses 8 and 20, he shifted blame onto others and insisted he had fulfilled God’s command, even as the evidence of disobedience was clear to Samuel. Saul’s refusal to acknowledge his shortcomings further demonstrated his pride. Rather than seeking forgiveness, Saul was more concerned with preserving his reputation. In verse 30, he pleaded with Samuel to honour him before the people. His actions in verse 27, where he seized the prophet’s garment, further displayed disdain and an inflated sense of self-importance.

Saul’s pride led to further rebellion. He relentlessly pursued David, even to the point of killing priests of God out of jealousy. Ultimately, Saul turned away entirely, seeking guidance from the witch of Endor, showing a complete abandonment of reliance on God. Like King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon, Saul attributed his status and strength to himself, forgetting the source of his elevation.

Saul’s story stands as a solemn warning: pride is not only self-exaltation but a rebellion against God. When individuals attribute their success to themselves and disregard God’s role, they risk the same downfall experienced by Saul. Humility remains essential for maintaining favour and relationship with God.

Prayer: Oh Lord purge me and elevate me by your grace in Jesus name.

Living in the Presence of God

Never lose sight of the reality that God is always in your midst. To ensure that God remains with you wherever you go, foster a habit of regular communion with God through prayer.

It is crucial not to grieve God or the Holy Spirit by allowing sin into your life. While a righteous life draws God near, a life of sin creates distance between you and God. In fact, walking with God becomes impossible if you persist in sin.

Consider the example of Saul: when he fell into disobedience, his relationship with God was severed. He turned to witchcraft for guidance by seeking power from the very source he had once banished and his life ended miserably. https://monetag.com/?ref_id=z5QE  ( Click on the link and monetize your social media/ your reels)

Righteousness keeps you in God’s favour and invites the presence of angels, but sin causes them to withdraw. As Psalm 34:7 declares, “The angel of the Lord encamps round about them that fear God, and delivers them.”

A life without God is fraught with hardship, regret, and sorrow. Such a life is open to the influence of darkness. The world’s high rates of divorce, murder, and all manner of wickedness are evidence of what happens when people refuse to walk with God.

Prayer for Divine Protection

• I stand on the ground of the blood of Jesus Christ to proclaim victory over Satan and his agents.
• I apply the blood of Jesus to every stubborn problem in my life.
• I plead the blood of Jesus from the top of my head to the sole of my foot.
• I soak my life in the blood of Jesus Christ.

Courage

There are 4 desparate things we need in life:

1. God.
2. God.
3. God.
4. Courage

Patience: the quiet strength that endures, the gentle hand that steadies the soul. In the tapestry of scripture, God is revealed as the paragon of patience, “long-suffering,” as he described himself to Moses in Exodus, a presence unhurried by the passing of millennia, for to the Divine, a thousand years are but a single day. The hymnwriter Walter Chalmers paints this portrait in luminous strokes, calling God “unresting, unhasting, and silent as light,” ever moving with purpose, yet never in haste.

To be patient is to stand calm amid tempests, to remain steadfast when adversity seeks to shake your foundations. Patience is the virtue that allows you to emerge from trials unscathed, polished by hardship but not broken. Recall how the house of God unfolded only after four centuries had passed since the covenant at Horeb, such is the rhythm of divine patience.

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For the Christian, patience is not merely commendable; it is essential. Through patience, we yield fruit,Luke 8:15 reminds us that those who cling to the word with honest and good hearts bring forth fruit through patience. Tribulation, far from something to fear, becomes the furnace in which patience is forged, experience is gained, and hope is kindled, “knowing that tribulation works patience; and patience, hope…” (Romans 5:3–4). Hope, then, becomes unashamed, rooted in the love poured into our hearts by the Holy Spirit.

Patience weaves its own perfection, shaping us until all things conspire for our good, as James 1:4 declares. “A patient dog eats the fattest bone,” goes the saying, wisdom wrapped in simple words. Consider Job, whose steadfast patience became his testimony; scripture proclaims that his latter days were sevenfold better than his former.

Impatience has cost many their greatest opportunities, diverted destinies, and clouded purpose. In marriage, in parenting, in friendships, patience is the indispensable companion. Its absence breeds discord; its presence fosters harmony. The Latin maxim “festina lente”,make haste slowly, reminds us to temper urgency with wisdom.

Above all, dealing with God requires patience, for the Sovereign cannot be rushed. In times of waiting, when prayers seem unanswered, patience is your anchor. God desires you to cultivate patience, that you may gain understanding through experience, and build hope upon the foundation of faith as you await your breakthrough. Let patience have her perfect work, that you may be complete, lacking nothing.

Principles That Triumph Over Hard Times

For those of Christian faith, there exist certain timeless principles which, when embraced, serve as pathways out of adversity. Throughout scripture, we encounter numerous episodes where hardship endures, yet hope perseveres and deliverance is found.

1. Calling Upon a Prophet of God

Consider the account of a widow, the spouse of a departed prophet, crushed by a mountain of debt so severe that her creditors threatened to claim her son as collateral—found in 2 Kings 4:1-7. In her desperation, she sought the counsel of a true man of God. She poured out her anguish before the prophet, yearning for her debt to be settled and her son rescued from the hands of those who would take him away. Guided by divine revelation, the prophet offered her a solution that transformed her circumstances.

Too often, people compound their woes by seeking answers from misguided sources, only to find that their relief is fleeting or that their burdens multiply. The scriptures urge discernment: “Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, for many false prophets have gone out into the world” (1 John 4:1). A genuine prophet is God’s mouthpiece—one who hears directly from the Lord. As it is written, “Surely the Lord will do nothing, but he reveals his secret unto his servants the prophets.” In Exodus, God spoke face-to-face with Moses, affirming the intimacy of this relationship.

Where God  does not reveal a solution, a true prophet can join you in earnest prayer and stand with you until breakthrough arrives. Hannah, burdened with bareness , received comfort and divine answer after the prophet Eli prayed alongside her.

A heartfelt cry is more than mere words—it is the soul’s deepest yearning for change, for a new dawn. Yet, not every cry carries such power; some are but empty gestures, unable to move the hand of God. Only those cries born of genuine faith and longing reach heaven’s ear and bring forth mercy and transformation.

There are moments in life when all our strength seems spent, and the only thing left is to turn our hearts heavenward. In such times, you are invited to pour out your soul directly to God, for though God remains unseen, the divine presence is always near. The scriptures remind us that the Creator of the ear surely hears every whispered plea, every cry of the heart. Whether you seek solace in private or let your prayers rise in public, whether you gather with others in a church or stand alone, you can bare your deepest fears and hopes to God.

I have witnessed firsthand the power of such earnest prayer. A member of my congregation, after much prayer, was granted a visa to Cyprus, where he lived for two years. Then, tragedy struck—a devastating accident led to multiple surgeries, and after the second operation, he slipped into a week-long coma. We persevered in prayer. Miraculously, he awoke. The joy was fleeting, as we soon learned another operation was necessary, and his chances were uncertain. His wife called in tears, and I could not contain the force of emotion welling up within me. In that moment, I prayed with all the fervour I possessed, oblivious to my surroundings, crying out to God in faith and desperation.  He survived it.

You need to cry to the lord. Just meditate on Psalm 68:1-end and cry to God with your petition.

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A Cry That Moves Heaven

Scriptural Foundations:

• Psalm 77:1: God responds when you call out to Him.
• Judges 3:9: Appealing to God is a catalyst for deliverance.
• Psalm 107:6: In times of distress, God provides relief in response to your appeal.
• Psalm 141:1: Sincere supplication prompts divine intervention.
• Psalm 142:1-5: Effective prayer must include specific requests for God’s action.
• Judges 4:3: No circumstance of hardship is beyond God’s capacity to resolve.

Crying, as described in scripture, represents an outward manifestation of deep emotion—demonstrated through tears, sobbing, weeping, or exclamations. It reflects a profound longing for transformation and illustrates a personal submission to God, expressing anticipation for divine involvement. Genuine emotional pleas are distinct from insincere demonstrations, as God is able to discern true intent.

While quiet prayers are valid, earnest cries often accompany significant results. Such emotional appeals typically arise in response to adversity or pain, signalling a recognition that current circumstances require change and expressing trust in God rather than in human solutions.

Historical examples include Blind Bartimaeus (Mark 10:49), whose persistent plea halted Jesus, and the Israelites in Judges 4:3, who sought deliverance from overwhelming oppression. These cases highlight how heartfelt expression of need can be a strong act of faith, acknowledging reliance on God alone.

A sincere cry toward God demonstrates acknowledgement of His role as a caring and omnipotent Father, surpassing earthly authority figures. It also marks awareness of personal limitations and a desire for restoration, comfort, and divine guidance.

Biblical examples such as Jesus at Lazarus’ grave (John 11:43) and King Hezekiah’s extended life following earnest prayer illustrate this principle. Through such appeals, one expresses regret, seeks a return to righteousness, and articulates the need for urgent assistance.

Theologically, cries of repentance or requests for transformation align with passages like Matthew 11:28-29, which invite those burdened to seek rest in God. These actions reflect a willingness to approach God openly, admit shortcomings, and pursue renewed blessings.

Ultimately, the depth of one’s sincere petition often correlates with the magnitude of divine intervention experienced. Consistent with scriptural precedent, wholehearted appeals lead to comfort, joy, restoration, and the opportunity to witness God’s wonders.

Prayerful  Daily Declaration:

O God, my Father, I ask that You intervene and transform my situation, in Jesus’ name.

Meditate on Psalm 68:1-19 and name the situations you seek God’s intervention.