Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked or stand in the way that sinners take or sit in the company of mockers,

 but whose delight is in the law of the LORD, and who meditates on his law day and night. Psalm 1;1-2

I grew up hearing the word "blessed". I grew up singing it, really, without much understanding as to what the word meant. I've blessed dozens of "sneezers" too. I just thought it was the right thing to do.

I learned somewhere along the way though, that the word "blessed" means "happy", "encouraged".

It's made my reading of the psalms easier.

Blessed is the man-Happy/encouraged is the man.

Psalm 1 tells me-

Happy and encouraged is the man who DOES NOT
walk in step with the wicked
or stand in the way that sinners take or sit in the company of mockers.

That's great to know.

Even better, I love how verse one goes from being casually acquainted with sin (walking in step) to something more abiding (sitting in the company).

I can think of times I've spoken to someone in passing. I say "Hey, how have you been?". They respond.  And I make a quick comment about my personal business, ("This summer has been crazy busy").

Then I go.

Sometimes I'll stop and (standing) have a quick conversation with somebody.

But if I intentionally sit down with someone, you can guarantee I'm getting comfy. I'm going to be there a while.

I have to tell you where I've been sitting.

Several months after we moved to Nederland, I bought an oversized comfy brown chair with a matching ottoman for Jason. It was a nice alternative to some of the more unbecoming recliners he'd expressed interest in.

Before I knew it, this chair was the one I'd catch myself sitting in first thing in the morning and last thing before I went upstairs to bed.  Occasionally I fold laundry while I'm sitting there.  Sometimes I settle down in its inviting cushion beside one of my guys, and we talk about our day.

But mostly, I get on my iphone and read.

I skim Facebook paying attention to posts of friends telling funny kid stories.  I stop for a picture of my nephew losing his first tooth. I watch videos of babies with contagious laughs and people who bring Simon Cowell to tears with their unimaginably, unexpected beautiful voices.  And I feel encouraged, happy.......blessed.

Sitting in "that",  is just dandy.

What gets me into trouble are those sensational headlines put out by media outlets.

Allen West Declares Obama An Islamist

10 Celebrities Who Are Openly Bisexual

Comedy great Robin Williams hanged himself at home

Nigeria fears Ebola spread to east by infected nurse

Obama urges police to respect protestors in Ferguson, Missouri

If you've scrolled down the Yahoo News website today, you'll see those articles.  With maddening certainty, I click on the articles and I read them.

News isn't just information.  News has become a platform for political and moral/amoral agenda.  The news lies; maybe not always an outright lie but by omitting important parts of truth. That makes me angry.

Reading of terror and revolting realities wraps me in fear.

I'd say that's wicked company to be sitting with. But daily I find myself walking in that way, reading the garbage.  For those of you who are able to read responsibly, I applaud you.  Really I do.

Psalm 1 goes on to say [Blessed is the one who doesn't] sit in the company of mockers.

For crying out loud, I read biased and scandalous accounts and then I think them over.  All. day. long.....

I get hyperfocused and then down right depressed.  Ask anybody who's had the misfortune of being in my company after said reading.

The news is largely a joy killer and hope stealer.

And I wonder, Where's my happy?

I've decided I'm going on a news fast.  I'm hoping writing my intentions will add some resolve.  I'm in agreement of the importance of being informed of necessary local and world matters; things on which I should pray.  I'm not quite sure how to go about being informed without having a soul sit-down with wicked.

Maybe with less news on my lips I'll have more time to make that question a matter of prayer.

I want to become one whose delight (and focus) is in the law of the LORD, and who meditates on his law day and night. (Psalm 1;2)

Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable--if anything is excellent or praiseworthy--think about such things. Philippians 4:8

Say a prayer for me as I learn to better sit in the company of the great Almighty.