Planted - Devotions for 11-15-23

Psalm 1:3 “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 is a wonderful Psalm with great word pictures. One of those word pictures is that of a man walking, sitting, and standing firm in God’s ways instead of in the way of sin and the world. Another word picture is from verse 3 where it says that the man of God is like a tree planted by a stream of water.

            In a dry land where deserts are all around, springs and the streams that flow out of them become very important and very noticeable. The bible is full of places where living water, that is fresh, clean water, provides life to the plants, animals and people around it. King David found them in his life and survived because of them when chased through the desert. En Gedi is one of many such springs with a stream flowing out of it in Israel, a green oasis surrounded by desert.

This is the understanding of this verse, that a spring or the stream that flows out of one, is providing cool, fresh water to all the green growing things next to it in an otherwise brown and barren landscape. In such a place grows a strong, tall tree. Because that tree grows near the stream of living water, it is healthy, strong, and produces abundant crops of whatever fruit or nuts grow on its branches.

            The tree of Psalm 1 is contrasted to the rocky, sandy desert where almost nothing grows except after a spring rain. And even then, those quick growing grasses and flowers fade, turn brown and die quickly in the heat of the desert sun. But the trees growing next to the stream stay green and healthy all year, keeping their leaves and producing fruit. The deep roots of the tree reach down to where the stream always provides fresh, life-giving water.

            Psalm 1 says that the person who follows the Lord and meditates in God’s word, is like such a tree. Their roots are not in soil seeking fresh water, but their roots dig deep into God’s word, the source of life-giving water. By continuously digging deep into God’s word, the person of God grows spiritually strong and beautiful, producing the fruit of the Holy Spirt in their life.

            What a picture, a healthy, strong, fruit bearing tree growing next to a stream of fresh water in a landscape otherwise rocky, barren and dry. What a contrast, and the people of Israel knew that picture very well.

            The Jordan river valley is such a place. On both sides is desert, but along the river, or any of the feeder streams flowing into it, is a lush green ribbon of life in the middle of a dry and thirsty land. The reason for the green ribbon in a brown landscape is water, the source of life.

            God’s word is that life source to us. It is God’s fresh water to our dry and thirsty hearts and souls. Out of God’s word flow the words of life. They bring strength, health, and life to our hearts and souls. So, let us turn to God’s word often and drink of the life that it provides.

            Are you walking in a desert, a desert of the heart and soul? Then come to the word of God and drink deeply. Read the bible. Listen to biblical teachings, music, and other bible-based teachings. And meditate on God’s word, that is, let your mind and heart sit for long periods in Gods’ word. Don’t just take a sip and run, drink deeply from God’s life-giving water.

Pastor Gary.