Planted and Productive
Today is Primary Election day. I am eager to see what the results will be of some key elections here in Colorado. With being in Fort Collins, I feel somewhat removed from my established political roots. I invited my friend Dave Holden to join me over in Greeley to monitor the results with the Ken Buck Campaign for the Fourth Congressional District primary.
Tomorrow I will return to Northern Colorado Rehab Hospital for my weekly therapy session. It will be interesting to see if there is any progress since even last week with my muscle stimulation therapy and work in the swimming pool. I am scheduled to do some pool work as part of my therapy, so I will see if I pick up on any new water activities.
BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “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.” Psalms 1:1-3
This first Psalm is a familiar one to many, yet is speaks volumes each time that we read it and mediate on it. In a world in which people long for and look for “happiness” it is interesting that the Bible consistently offers a map to the “blessed” life. For those who follow after Christ….
1 – Relationships make all the difference
Perhaps you have heard the adage, “show me your friends and I will show you your future.” The Apostle Paul was ahead of modern day leadership gurus when he said, “Do not be deceived: “Bad company ruins good morals.” (1 Corinthians 15:33) When you consistently live among those whose life is contrary to God’s ways, their actions and words drags you down.
In contrast a “blessed” life is enjoyed by those who follow and meditate on God’s laws. God told Joshua to “meditate on the law of the Lord and you will prosper and have good success.” (Joshua 1:8)
2 – Planted and Productive
The Psalmist continues to describe the one focused on life in God and His Word as a “tree planted by streams of water, which yield its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither.” This imagery communicates stability, fruitfulness, vibrancy and longevity. I believe it is a fitting description of what the Lord desires for us in this life and the assurance of an eternity in His presence.
When what we do is directed by the Lord, we can’t fail. There may be setbacks, there may be “failures” in our eyes or even the eyes of others, but when God is directing our path and we are following Him the trajectory of our life over the course of our life is upward.
Revelation 22 and Ezekiel 47 reveal the water of life flowing from God’s presence that forms a tree lined river that bears fruit each month. If nothing else, what we can do is learn a lesson from God’s work in creation and what is revealed in eternity. If God is able to establish trees along a river bank that are solid, firm and fruitful, He is able to bring stability and prosperity to your life. Just as in like fashion His care for the birds of the air and the lilies of the field is to encourage our trust in Him and dissolve worry. (Matthew 6:33)
Remember, “… the Lord knows the way of the righteous…” (Psalms 1:6) He will direct your path and be with you all of your days as you commit to following after Him. That’s the road I want to be on.