Act Like a Tree...

They are like trees planted along the riverbank, bearing fruit each season without fail. Their leaves never wither, and in all they do, they prosper. Psalm 1:3 NLT

With the dry summer we had in 2010, it was good to see all the greenery around the banks of our lake house. Those trees had roots that went deep into the dirt which was kept moist by the lake. No matter the outward situation, our trees were going to continue to be green and fruitful.

Verse 3 in Psalm 1 reminds me that it isn't just having deep roots that causes one to live well. You need to be rooted near a source that will keep you grounded and fruitful no matter what life on the outside brings your way. In fact, the verse says that the trees not only bear fruit in each season and their leaves never wither but they also prosper. For me, this means the trees grow bigger and healthier each year.

The danger in all this is that we may seek the Source just for joy or prosperity. We want to be happy and rich so we will follow God. Verse two of the same psalm calls a halt to that way of thinking. The motivation is not to be doing well but the delight in following God and doing what God wants.

It is delightful to do as God asks us to do. Maybe we'll be rich but that is not what God promises. God promises the joy that comes with obedience. God promises to always give us the nutrients we need. God promises strength and perseverance. We may be buffeted by strong winds and surrounded by dry dirt but we have a firm foundation in what will keep us alive and fruitful.

Meditate on God's commandments. Do as God asks. Delight in following God. Your roots will run deep and you will constantly be refreshed.

Amen.

Copyright 2011 Amelia G. Sims