Walking through Yarner Woods several years ago I came to this shallow expanse of flooded land. May on Dartmoor is always a delight: soft air, warm sun, and new growth rising all round the traveller. What better way of spending a day of prayer?
These days were a special privilege: living close to the National Park gave opportunities to wander along paths and streams, often without encountering anybody else. In this quieter world, only the natural sounds fill the ears; often the silence could be felt, hearing nothing more than my boots hitting the ground, or perhaps the “noise” of a breeze tickling the early leaves. At different points in the day, the birds offered a chorale of splendid simplicity. Sensing the Holy Presence of God come more easily for me in these isolated holy moments.
Meditating on Psalm 1 helped focus my spirit. In particular, v2 resonated: “Happy” people find “their delight is in the law of the LORD, and on his law they meditate day and night.” (NRSV translation of v2)
It struck me that if we set out to delight in God’s Law, with an intent to obey, our constant chewing on these words will mean that we won’t just find “rules to follow” but will find the heart of the Lord who advises and guides those who draw close. We actually learn God’s character- divine Love is the motivator of the Law, for God who is Love lives by Love. It is Love that reveals God to those who love Him. Our focus is on God Himself- so we become like Him in heart, mind, speech and action. This state of being is (as the Good News Bible entitles this psalm) “True Happiness,” a way of Joy, which keeps us healthy and growing.
Here is the whole Psalm to read and inwardly digest in the clear simple English of the Good News Bible. Read- and invite the Lord to bring you True Happiness!
True Happiness - Psalm 1
Happy are those
who reject the advice of evil people,
who do not follow the example of sinners
or join those who have no use for God.
Instead, they find joy in obeying the Law of the LORD,
and they study it day and night.
They are like trees that grow beside a stream,
that bear fruit at the right time,
and whose leaves do not dry up.
They succeed in everything they do.
But evil people are not like this at all;
they are like straw that the wind blows away.
Sinners will be condemned by God
and kept apart from God's own people.
The righteous are guided and protected by the LORD,
but the evil are on the way to their doom.
The Reflectionary 