Planted

Josh WannerDevotions

Psalm 1:1-3
Blessed is the man
who walks not in the counsel of the wicked,
nor stands in the way of sinners,
nor sits in the seat of scoffers;
but his delight is in the law[b] of the LORD,
and on his law he meditates day and night.
He is like a tree
planted by streams of water
that yields its fruit in its season,
and its leaf does not wither.
In all that he does, he prospers.

My wife’s family was orchard farmers for many years. They had apple trees, apricot trees, plum trees, nectarine trees, and especially, peach trees! The orchard sat on fertile, flat ground, made for easy fruit tree pruning and picking. The only problem was, the land on which their orchard sat was dry ground. It was fertile and rich, but the summer months were often filled with drought and little rainfall. Fruit trees, like all plants, need water to live and survive.

So, in between each row of fruit trees, a trough was made to allow for irrigation. When the dry season came, wells were used to flood the area with much needed water so that the fruit trees could live and even thrive. The trees needed to be beside “living water.” In todays reading, the Psalmist says people are like trees – we need living water as well in order to bear fruit.

Without the living water of God’s word (the word “law” is used in this text), we dry up as well. Thank you for “troughing out” a space and time today in your life for God’s Word – even simply by reading this devotion. Go back to the text, meditate upon it once again. Do it (I know this will take more time, but it will be worth it!)

Ultimately, Jesus of Nazareth fulfilled this psalm perfectly. His delight was in the Law of the LORD, and ultimately, he prospered. He prospered by suffering and dying, rising again and living and reigning to all eternity. Because of this, all who trust in him will also prosper in eternal life with Jesus!

Now, go back once again, and ask these questions as you meditate and ponder:

1) What type of “fruit” am I yielding today?
2) How do I “prosper” when surrounded by the counsel of our God?
3) What “fruit” can I yield today, since I have been in the presence of God’s word?

Gracious Lord, everything prospers when surrounded by the streams of your living word. May my life and actions prosper Your Kingdom, that I may bear fruit in abundance to the Glory of your name! Amen.

Written by: Pastor Koenig