A Tree Planted By Streams Of Water

Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked or stand in the way that sinners take or sit in the company of mockers, but 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

Just as a bountiful harvest depends on a source of clean water, the quality of the “fruit” in my life – my words, actions, and attitude – depends on my spiritual nourishment. The psalmist describes this: The person “whose delight is in the law of the LORD…is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season.”

Paul writes that those who walk in step with the Spirit are marked by “love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.”

Sometimes our perspective of our own circumstances turns sour, or our actions and words become persistently unkind. There is no good fruit, and we realize we haven’t spent time being quiet before the words of our God. But when the rhythm of our days is rooted in reliance on Him, we bear good fruit. Patience and gentleness characterize our interactions with others; it’s easier to choose gratitude over complaint.

The God who has revealed Himself to us is our source of strength, wisdom, joy, understanding, and peace. As we steep our souls in the words that point us to Him, the word of God’s Spirit will be evident in our lives.

God’s Spirit lives in His people, in order to work through them.

Our Daily Bread – March 28, 2017