Psalm 1
1 Happy are those
who do not follow the advice of the wicked
or take the path that sinners tread
or sit in the seat of scoffers,
2 but their delight is in the law of the Lord,
and on his law they meditate day and night.
3 They are like trees
planted by streams of water,
which yield their fruit in its season,
and their leaves do not wither.
In all that they do, they prosper.
4 The wicked are not so
but are like chaff that the wind drives away.
5 Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgment
nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous,
6 for the Lord watches over the way of the righteous,
but the way of the wicked will perish.
3 They are like trees planted by streams of water, which yield their fruit in its season…
Two springs ago, we planted a willow tree at the bottom of our yard to soak up some of the ground water. The tree’s name is Jack Willow because it was planted in memory of our dear friend, Jack. Jack Willow has grown steadily taller and wider since we planted him. He loves soaking up all that extra water, which he uses to stretch out his branches wider and wider. Jack is a wonderful addition to our property and a good friend.
The psalmist tells us that those who remain faithful to God, without being tempted away are like trees planted by streams of water, which yield their fruit in its season. I think that’s a wonderful image for our walk of faith.
We have been planted by streams of living water in Baptism. As our faith is formed and developed in our Christian Community, we stretch out our branches and bear the fruit of the spirit in its season.
Prayer: Lord God, the Perfect Gardener: Thank you for planting us where we can thrive and grow for your glory. AMEN