Monday, September 9, 2013

like a tree planted by streams

He is like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither. In all that he does, he prospers. 

Psalm 1:3


This image of the thriving righteous man who loves God's Word as pictured by a healthy green tree bearing fruit by many streams is powerful. It isn't about material prosperity. It is about spiritual growth, maturity, and personal effectiveness that all bring glory to God by living out the realities of God's truth.


The first psalm has always captured my attention. In a brief bit of poetry through a powerful image, the Psalmist captures the importance of obeying the Word of God. He contrasts the simple commitments to righteousness and its attendant rewards with the sinful prospects of the wicked and their pains and punishments. And above all the contrasts there stands this towering healthy tree, rising up in the middle of the psalm as an image reminding us of the life God wants us to live.


I want to thrive by these streams of water. I want to choose right living, avoid wicked company, and delight/meditate on the great Law of God. There and only there is where I will be truly content and find flourishing life. There is where meaningful live is found. And any fruit that remains in me is found here.

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