A Tree Planted by the Water

 

 

Psalms 1

1 Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful.

2 But his delight is in the law of the Lord; and in his law doth he meditate day and night

.3 And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.

4 The ungodly are not so: but are like the chaff which the wind driveth away.

5 Therefore the ungodly shall not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous.

6 For the Lord knoweth the way of the righteous: but the way of the ungodly shall perish.

We love hiking to waterfalls and walking along the tree-lined rivers. Though I didn't take this photo we saw something similar just a short distance up the trail from the nature center at Table Rock State Park in SC.  Walking along trails is a good place to contemplate the words of scripture. It's where we can better understand the word pictures the Lord is using to help us see our relationship with Him and others.

Take a look at Psalms 1. Verse 3 speaks of the man whose delight is in the law of the Lord. He is like a tree planted by the water. Now look back at the picture. What can we notice?

• There is a constant flow of water to sustain the trees
•  Some of the trees are along the edge and some are farther back.
• Those along the edge are constantly drinking from the flowing water.

Like trees, if we draw close to the Living Water, we can constantly be refreshed and grow. 

What does a growing tree do? Our verse says it bears fruit and its leaf doesn't wither. 

• Fruit from a well-watered tree is plump and juicy, delectable.
• Juicy fruit makes it desirable to be picked.
• There is no dry spell for the leaves to wither. It's always appealing.
• An appealing tree draws people to it for the shade and the fruit.

How are we as Christians providing a place of rest for the weary, sin-sick world? Are our actions showing the fruits of kindness, peace, and joy?

 

The tree by the water prospers.

• It grows, bears fruit. 
• It's noticed. 
• It's desirable.

 As the saying goes, Apples don't fall far from the tree. The fruit we bear will desire to be planted by the Water as well. Our testimony to the world can fill the whole earth with the knowledge of the Lord (Habbakuk 2:14)

Heavenly Father, Help us stay close to your word, to thrive on it, bearing spiritual fruit that makes the gospel desirable. Help us make a difference. Give us the vision of revival to fill the whole earth with the knowledge of the Lord. In Jesus's name. Amen

Hey Kids:

Have you thought about how to thrive on the Living Water of God's word?

Do you have a plan to memorize God's word?

Here's an idea to help you hide God's word in your heart.

• Ask mom or dad for post it notes or index cards
• Copy down your favorite verse or passage
• Place the note or card in a place you'll see it every day - on a mirror on the front of your notebook
• Read the verse at least 3 times each day. 

How much of the verse can you say without looking? In a few days or at the end of the week add another verse. Psalms 1 might be a good place to start.