This Tree
He is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not whither. Whatever he does prospers. (Psalm 1:3)
My Life Application Bible states the theme of this psalm is about life’s two roads. Contrasting the life of the faithful person to the life of a faithless person.
I sure want my life and my faith to be like that tree described in the verse; strong, deep rooted, and bearing good fruit. The psalm has a “but” to it. If I’m not growing stronger roots, I risk being like chaff. Chaff is used many times in scripture to illustrate how we are at risk to the “winds” of life. Consider another example of a two-life path contrast in Jesus’ metaphorical comparison of houses built on solid rock versus sand. (Mathew 7:24-17.)
I confess that at times my behavior and my heart are more reflective of the chaff than the tree. Loving God more fully one day and not so much the next. Scripture is so good at teaching us how to walk with the Lord, but it also teaches how sin keeps us less rooted and incapable in being good fruit bearers.
So how do I get these deep roots? The psalmist says, “But his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on His law, he meditates day and night.” What’s the benefit for the man described in this verse? Well, God has a lot to give to those who seek Him diligently. Remember the fruits of the Spirit – love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control, (Gal. 5:22-23.) The spiritual investment yields the qualities that make us human, living this side of heaven, possessing the ability to love and have compassion.
The Bible opens us to discover the mysteries of God. To truly draw on the fulness God has for each of us, we need to put in the work. When we seek God diligently, we learn that the mysteries of God are not hidden from us, but rather they are hidden for us to discover. For a simple illustration of this: at Easter we do Easter egg hunts for the children. But is the game to hide the eggs so it’s impossible for them to be found, or is it so that we can delight in seeing the joy in the children as they find the eggs? Both the hider and seeker share the joy of the experience!
God plants us next to the resource we need to develop deep, strong roots. As we do the work, He encourages us to pause and look up at our branches so we can delight in the fruit produced that brings glory to God. And know that even when we might find ourselves on the “chaff” path, Christ brings us back to the path of faith and good fruits.
Heavenly Father, thank You for describing the person who is like a deep-rooted fruitful tree. Your provision makes this all possible and I thank You that I have what I need for a life that is lived to praise and glorify You. Help me to be a witness of Your love. I ask in Jesus’ name. AMEN.