As a child I grew up on a sheep farm in the south of New Zealand. Across the road from our home there was a giant tree that I regularly climbed. It was my getaway place, where I would nestle high up on the wide sturdy branches, spending hour’s enjoying being above the world, and away from everyone and everything else. I could see for miles from my vantage point, and regardless of the weather, or strong winds my tree remained stable, firmly rooted in the soil.
There is passage in the bible that describes a person who is blessed. “He is like a tree firmly planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither. Whatever he does prospers.” (Psalm 1:3)
The secret to being like that strong tree, which has an abundant water supply, yields it’s fruit in season, doesn’t wither, and prospers in all it does is found at the beginning of Psalm 1.
God instructs us how to be that “rock solid, prosperous person, who is fruitful, strong and planted in “good soil”. He says if we don’t walk in the counsel of the wicked, or stand with sinners, or sit with mockers; but instead choose to delight, follow, and think over what He says every day and night; we will become that person.
I like how the message bible puts it:
“You don’t hang out at Sin Saloon, you don’t slink along Dead-End Road, you don’t go to Smart-Mouth College.
Instead you thrill to God’s Word, you chew on Scripture day and night.
You’re a tree replanted in Eden, bearing fresh fruit every month. Never dropping a leaf, always in blossom.
You’re not at all like the wicked, who are mere windblown dust”. (Psalm 1:1-3 Message Bible)
Most of us are busy looking for the fruit of our labours; to see results, or for our life to have some meaning and purpose, and to not be blown about by life’s challenges. The good news is that God actually promises that we will produce “fruit”, and see the results and product of our life’s journey in its appropriate season. He’s given us the manual to be like the solid, sturdy fruitful tree from my childhood. It’s simply to walk with Him, delighting and meditating on His word every day; being mindful of who is influencing and speaking into our life. He wants us to be like strong fruitful trees, not windblown chaff!
Today, take the time to take hold of God’s words to you found in the bible. Think about, and consider them throughout the day. Choose well who you are allowing to speak into your life, so that you will be fruitful and prosperous in all you do.
Prayer: Lord please help me to be wise about who I allow to influence me, and to whom I listen to. I want to know you more, and to understand your word more, so that I can follow your manual for my life. Help and remind me to do that today. In Jesus Name Amen.
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