“He is like a tree planted beside flowing streams that bears its fruit in its season and whose leaf does not wither. Whatever he does prospers.” (Psalm 1:3, CSB)
The Psalmist is talking about the happy, or blessed, person and uses this beautiful word picture to describe them. How can we be blessed and prosperous?
Earlier in the Psalm, he tells us a key to blessing is feeding on God’s word and wisdom. Here, in verse three, he shares two more keys.
One is drinking from the Spirit. The tree described above is so healthy because it continually draws from the river by which it is planted. It doesn’t just take a sip, once a week, on Sundays. It has learned to drink deeply and healthy because of it.
Another is the fact that the tree stays put…it is planted. It has a strong root system. So when the summer sun scorches or the storm crash around it, the tree will stand strong.
Because the tree is fed, watered, and strong, it WILL produce fruit. It may take time, because trees don’t produce fruit on command. They produce fruit in season and God sets the seasons of our lives. But they WILL be productive.
If you’re longing to see spiritual fruit (see Gal. 5:22-23) in your life…or more spiritual fruit…hang in there. Stay planted in the Lord – don’t give up. Stay in his Word. Keep in step with his Spirit. Do these, and God promises: Whatever you do will prosper.
I hope you’ll join us Sunday online at 10 a.m. for a new sermon series called “On the Road” as we go through the book of Psalms.
I miss all of your faces! We’ll be through this soon…hang in there and stay planted!
