March 26 I Sunday

Joshua 22-24

Luke 3

“That 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.”     —Psalm 1:3

As Christians, do we actually delight in God’s Word? Do we immerse ourselves in who He says we are and His plans for our life? In a Christian survey done in Canada that studied followers of Christ and their interaction with Scripture, they found an average of 5% are in the Word daily, 4% a few times a week, 2% once a week, 3% once or twice a month, 7% a few times a year, 25% seldom and 55% never. This statistic is not talking about people who are not Christians, but Christians who identify themselves as regular churchgoers. What a bleak picture, as 80% of them are seldom or never immersed in God’s Word! As we consider our lives, where are we in this statistic? Do we delight in God’s Word daily?

       Scripture calls us to immerse ourselves in who God is. Psalm 1 invites us into a prayer that is different and distinct, because it calls us to fill our minds with Scripture, not empty them. The psalmist tells us, “Blessed is the one... whose delight is in the law of the LORD, and who meditates on His law day and night. That 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” (Psalm 1:1-3). What does a person with a robust, blessed life look like? The psalmist describes that person like a tree.

       Metaphors and imagery are pervasive throughout the Psalms, because God is not detached or distant, but alive, active and at work in the world, revealing Himself through rocks, trees, mountains and stars. The metaphors we find in the Psalms remind us that our understanding of who God is is rooted as much in the physical world as it is in the spiritual world. As we imagine a tree planted by the stream, there is living water nourishing it and its roots can go deep into the ground. The tree does not wither or fear when storms or droughts come; it stands secure and remains fruitful.

       What is the result of someone who is like a tree? The psalmist highlights, “…whatever they do prospers.” Some of us may think of prosperity simply in material terms, such as finances, a big house or a fast car. But as we look at Scripture, Jesus was prosperous in all the ways that mattered, as was the Apostle Paul. This is because prosperity is found in contentment, a peace with God, knowing that He watches over us. Jesus tells us, “But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well” (Matthew 6:33).

       Where are we planted?

Prayer: Father God, I want to be a tree planted in Your Word. Thank You for showing me that a prosperous life is found in contentment, a peace knowing that You watch over me. Praise You!