Megan Evans, Women’s Ministry Director, LHBC
Psalm 1:1-3 (NIV)
“1Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked…2but whose delight is in the law of the LORD, and who meditates on his law day and night. 3That person is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither-whatever they do prospers.”
Oh to be that person! As humans, we battle the comparison trap. Today’s key verse points to a person who seems to have it all together. I want to be that person who yields fruit in season, but sometimes it feels hard to measure up. I’ve had seasons of withered leaves, how about you? I can recall seasons when fruit just didn’t seem to ripen. Perhaps you can relate. But how good and faithful is our God who teaches us right where we are today.
Psalm 1 tells us how we too can be like a fruitful tree planted by streams of water. The original word for “prospers” used here in this passage is the Hebrew word tsalach, which means to succeed or to finish well. Pinterest, Facebook, or Instagram aren’t going to show us how to finish well, but Jesus promises fruitfulness when we look to him. Jesus alone is our standard, and he is that person we can model. In fact, God desires Christlikeness in us (1 John 1:6).
This passage explains that we experience joys and blessing when we seek God’s will. Psalm 1 speaks of a person who has chosen influences wisely, and spends time learning and obeying God’s Word. A look into the entirety of Psalm 1:1 explains that person does not follow the advice or lifestyle of those who mock God. The people we associate with influence us (Proverbs 13:20). While we want to point the lost to Jesus, we need a strong core group of friends that keep us growing closer to God. Psalm 1:2 explains that person also thinks on God’s Word throughout the day. When we intentionally read the Bible and live out what we learn, we too will become like a fruitful, well-watered tree. Reading the Bible may start as obedience, but watch it turn into delight!
We have a choice how we live out our daily life, and we have a choice to grow in our walk with God. Are you keeping your roots planted in healthy soil fed by God’s Living Water? Will you be that person who lets God’s will prosper in their life?
PRAYER FOR TODAY:
Dear Lord, I seek your will today for my life. Grow and ripen fruit in this current season of my life. Teach me to follow you. When I am tempted to compare myself to others, remind me that Jesus is my standard. Make me more like Jesus every day. I pray for godly friendships that will encourage my walk with you, God. I want my attitudes and actions to reflect you Jesus, not the world around me. In Jesus name, Amen.
MEMORY VERSE OF THE WEEK:
2 Corinthians 5:17
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.