“Oh, the joys of those who do not follow the advice of the wicked, or stand around with sinners, or join in with scoffers. But they delight in doing everything the LORD wants; day and night they think about his law. They are like trees planted along the riverbank, bearing fruit each season without fail. Their leaves never wither, and in all they do, they prosper.” Psalm 1:1-3 (NLV)\
Looking for peace in the Psalms is not a random choice that we make. There is a reason we come to such places of comfort. Sometimes, we are seeking some understanding while facing a difficult situation. There are other times where we simply don’t know where else to turn. Whatever our case, we are looking in the right place…the only place true peace can be found…in God’s Word. We can always count on finding God in God’s Word!
Verse three of our Psalm today paints a picture of the person who meditates on God’s Word as a tree planted along a riverbank, bearing fruit each season without fail,…leaves that never wither…prospering. Well, as real as the tree that can be seen, is the tree that can't be seen. And the hidden tree is the secret of the visible one. That hidden tree growing down draws its sustenance and its nourishment from a hidden supply.
It is impossible to grow in grace and in the knowledge of the Lord without a daily time of nourishment from Him, whether it be in His Word, in meditation, in worship, or in prayer. Just as river waters nourish a tree’s roots…when we drink God’s Word, it goes deep into our heart and strengthens us. God’s nurturing truth gives us strength, and courage, and wisdom for whatever we face.
If you were to ask, "What is the primary problem that lies at the root of a withered Christian experience?" I think I would have to reply, "It is the neglect of the daily time of communion with God." We cannot do without it. There must always be nourishment for the soul. It need not be the first hour of every day that we give to God...but, it should be the best hour. You see, when we spend time with God,… and are nourishing that tree growing down...we need not worry so much about the tree growing up.
Father, I know that I haven’t come visiting the Psalms, nor this place of devotion, by chance. Thank you that Your Word strengthens my heart and nourishes my soul. Amen
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