The opening song in Israel’s Psalter begins with a most positive word describing the truly happy person. In fact, it conveys a sense of enviable privilege: “oh, the Joy!” of being blessed like this.

But immediately after setting this uplifting tone, comes a dire warning about how vulnerable this happy state is because of the power of negative social influence that functions like moral contagion.

Talk about ancient truth being relevant for today’s world. Just as hand hygiene and social distancing are keys to surviving in a pandemic world, this song says, pay attention to who is influencing the way we think and live. We rub off on each other, so be careful who you hang with, because for certain they are shaping your attitude and outlook.  Even in physical isolation, social media can be poison stream. 

But there is a better way.  Healthy people, who are influenced by a story outside of themselves, are not at the mercy of other people’s approval. They find their guidance and inspiration in the Torah.  Torah is the over-arching story of the Bible, a narrative of God’s blessing from the creation of the cosmos and across the landscape of human history to its glorious consummation.

It’s a story of God’s engagement with us and God’s passion about our well-being. This story of God’s love and commitment to us is a story to meditate on, to graze our minds on, to think about and let it influence our attitudes and actions, how we relate to people and to God. 

People who do this, the song says, will be like trees growing by a stream, whose roots go deep allowing them to flourish even in times of drought. When life gets dry, they remain vibrant, alive and productive.  This is the path of human flourishing.

There’s a lot more in this psalm but that’s a taster from the first three verses.  For more, especially on how Jesus riffed on this song, watch the video of my comments on Psalm One.

Meanwhile we have a pandemic to reckon with, washing our hands and protecting one another. Let me finish with a prayer by American author Brian McLaren. 

It is called “A prayer while washing your hands”

God of healing and well-being,
As I wash my hands I ask you
To cleanse me of other invisible viruses of the soul:
fear, hate, pride, greed, lust, hostility, supremacy, superiority, selfish interest,
And all constriction of the heart. As I join billions of others in this practice,
Help me feel how deeply we are all connected
And equally, infinitely loved by you.