AfterThoughts: May 31, 2026

June 7, 2026
The Good Life
Psalm 1

This week, Dr. David Eldridge began a new series in the book of Psalms, teaching from Psalm 1. In these verses, he expanded on three points:

A Warning: Beware Of The Broad Road
An Invitation: Delight In The Better Way
A Promise: A Fruitful Life

GOING DEEPER:

P salm 1 and 2 are towering, grand pillars that frame the entrance gate welcoming us into the rest of the 148 Psalms. Psalm 1 vividly depicts the difference between two approaches to life, two roads to travel, and ultimately two destinies. What do you notice as you read Psalm 1? As you read the Psalm a second time, what words or ideas does the Holy Spirit highlight in your heart and mind?
Pastor David explained that Psalm 1 warns us against traveling the broad road if we truly want to discover the good life. Every day, we are exposed to voices and influences, to people who tell us what really matters, what success looks like, what we should value, and how we should live. We need to be intentional about who we keep close because those people shape us. We aren’t called to be hermits; however, we are called to refuse to be conformed to this world. How does scrolling and streaming affect and infect our souls? What voices are pulling you to follow the world instead of encouraging you to be salt and light in the world?
Pastor David pointed out that sin rarely takes us to its dreaded destination immediately. Sin is insidious. It is first listening (walking), then lingering (standing), and finally settling (sitting). We don’t blow up everything all at once. It always begins with a conversation, an influence, a compromise, or a voice we entertain. Is there a sinful pattern or habit you are cherishing in your life? How can you change your schedule this week to create more time for prayer and repentance?
Pastor David taught that the Psalmist didn’t leave us with only a warning but also points us to the better road—the road that pleases God. This road is paved with the Word of God; it is the daily bread for the follower of God. We meditate on God’s Word not merely to accumulate information, but because through it we come to know the God who loves us and redeems us. The blessed life is found as we learn to treasure what God has said and to trust the One to whom all Scripture points, our Savior, Jesus. How does Psalm 1:2 in The Message help you understand this truth (“Instead, you thrill to God’s Word; you chew on Scripture day and night”)? What are the ways you have found to consistently concentrate on the Word of God that leads to transformation?
The Psalmist promises a fruitful life for those who follow the better road. Pastor David emphasized that while the picture is not one of constant ease, comfort, or worldly success, it is an image of a life rooted and flourishing in the life-giving truth of God. The prize for the blessed person is an eternal one. While the way of the wicked leads to separation from God, for the one who follows Him, there is an eternal prize: He is our reward, He is our destination, and we will see Him face to face. Even though we can’t meet the standard of the blessed man, Jesus did, and He invites us to follow Him down the road that leads to life—the road that will never disappoint you and will never lead to a dead end. It leads to life in its fullest; it is the road that leads to God. How would you describe your experience of placing your faith in Jesus and being planted by living waters? How is Jesus, in every way, what you’ve been looking for? If you have not trusted Him, who will you talk to this week about your need for a Savior?

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:

To view past sermons, please click here.

The LORD bless you and keep you; the LORD make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; the LORD turn his face toward you and give you peace. Numbers 6:24–26

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