A Tree For All Seasons
Today’s Verse:
And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper. ~Psalm 1:3
Douglas fir trees are harvested and sold during Christmas time as decorative trees. They bring a fresh smell and look into every home. However, after a few days, they start to wither and eventually lose their initial appeal and freshness. They are trees that are seasonal in their usefulness. In Psalm 1:3, David uses the metaphor of a tree planted by the rivers of water to describe a man who is blessed and prospers no matter what season of life he is in. Let us see how to be a tree for all seasons.
We see a distinction.
The first thing we see is a contrast between the godly man and the ungodly man. The godly man is a man whose priority in life is God. He is a saved man. He is a spiritual man. He advances the cause of Christ. The ungodly man is not so (v. 4). The ungodly man is unstable in all his ways. God is not in his thoughts. There is no fruit in his life. He is described as chaff, or as refuse, and useless. The ungodly man is cursed and eventually will perish (v. 6).
We see a dedication.
The characteristics of the godly man are described. He is dedicated in his separation. He makes no association with the ungodly in their counsel, their company, or their contempt. Second, he is dedicated in his saturation. He is dedicated to living in the Word of God. He is a diligent student of God’s Word, and he takes time to meditate in it. The Word of Christ dwells in this man richly in all wisdom. “As he thinketh in his heart, so is he.” A man that thinks about God’s Word has God always on his mind and heart.
We see the destination.
“And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.” The godly man is described as being successful and prosperous. He is rooted where he will thrive. The phrase “rivers of water” is a metaphor that describes the product of faith in our Lord and a Spirit-filled life. Jesus said, “He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water.” His roots are deep and they are dependent upon the nutrient source of the rivers of water. He is also resilient in all seasons of life. “His leaf also shall not wither.” He is renewed day by day. There is life and vitality in him. He is resourceful. “Whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.” The hand of the Lord is on his life. God blesses his faith, vision, and work. He brings forth fruit, more fruit, and much fruit. He is successful and prosperous in all his ways.
Are you like this tree planted by the rivers of water? Is God the priority and pursuit of your life? Herein is the biblical prescription for sustainability and success in the Christian life. Be removed from associations that will corrupt you, and be rooted deeply in God’s Word.
Have a prosperous God Morning!
Bible Reading Schedule: Ephesians 1-3