Devotional Portion: Psalm 1:3
“He will be like a tree firmly planted by streams of water,
Which yields its fruit in its season
And its leaf does not wither;
And in whatever he does, he prospers.”
The Psalmist describes the qualities of those who are blessed, by comparing them to the life of a tree. And just as we identify a tree by its fruit, we can identify a blessed man, by his relationship with GOD, and how much he is productive for GOD.
a) He will be like a tree firmly planted by streams of water
Water is a source of life. And a tree on the bank of the streams, has a constant source of life in it. It never lacks any nutrient that is essential for its growth. Also, the tree has to extend its roots to the waters so that it can survive. A blessed man’s source of life, is his relationship with GOD and his attachment to the word of GOD.
While the tree is still a plant, the gardener has to take care of it as it is yet to attain its full growth, so as to survive by itself. But, as the plant grows to become a tree, it has to face stormy winds, heavy rains and the gardener only comes to check whether the tree is intact or not. Christian life requires growth. If we are still in a place where we need spoon feeding from the gardener, it means that we are not growing up to the maturity of CHRIST. We need to root ourselves deep in the word of GOD, and draw nutrients from HIS WORD.
b) Which yields its fruit in its season
It will better if we say, “Which yields fruit in HIS season.” A man who dwells in HIM has surrendered his own will before the Master’s will. GOD expects us to bear fruit for HIM at the time that HE expects of us. It can be in season and out of season; it can be when we are happy or when we are going through trials in life; it can be when we are weak in the spirit; it can be when we want to take a break, and maintain a low profile in life; it can be when we say we are not worthy enough to bear fruit for HIM. GOD expects us to bear fruit according to HIS will. Fruit gives life and joy to others. Draw life from the streams, bear fruits which can motivate others.
“I am the vine, you are the branches; he who abides in Me and I in him, he bears much fruit, for apart from Me you can do nothing.” John 15:5
c) And its leaf does not wither
Withering shows dryness in the life cycle of a tree. This happens gradually. The leaves turn brown, then the leaf stalk dries up and it withers away. A blessed man keeps a check whether his productivity has decreased or whether his leaves are turning brown. Plugging back into the relationship with GOD keeps our life intact.
d) And in whatever he does, he prospers
I wonder what a tree can do in its life (though it’s a comparison). A tree grows, gives fruit, and gives shade and shelter and what else? There comes a time when the gardener cuts off branches from the tree. It’s painful to bear and we may think bad about it and wonder why. But, as a blessed man, we should be thankful that GOD can use each of those pieces for HIS glory. Every broken piece is valuable when GOD is in it. Our brokenness for is for HIS glory and GOD will prosper the work of our hands. Apart from thinking in a materialistic way, grow up and think in a Spiritual way.
Reflection: As we head on to a new day, let’s examine ourselves whether we are growing and being productive for the Master.
