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.
Psalm 1:3 (ESV)
Perfectly Aligned with Devotion in Action
In the first chapter of Psalms, there is a description of a godly person that is perfectly in line with the goal of devotion in action. This person delights in the Lord. He (or she) meditates on the word of God day and night.
In the middle of the work and play
This doesn’t mean that the godly person calls a halt to all responsibilities and locks themselves into a prayer closet all day and night. No. As they go about their everyday life, they are in communication with God, thinking about Him and His word. Allowing Him to be a part of their work and play.
Christ-centered living
This is the heart of Christ-centered living. Psalm 1:3 says that this person is like a tree that is planted by streams of water. It flourishes with plenty of water, nourishment, and sunlight. It is fruitful in its season. It prospers.
Filled with Life, Strength, and Joy
I want a life like that. Don’t you? It sounds so peaceful and fulfilling. So full of life and strength and joy. Guess what? God wants that for us too. He is showing us how to achieve that kind of life. God gives us the road map in Psalm 1: some things to embrace and some to avoid.
Things to Avoid:
-following the counsel of sinful people
-constantly putting ourselves in the places where sinners take up residence, surrounded by all those temptations
Things to Embrace:
-reading the bible
-communicating with God through prayer
-thinking about God and His ways throughout our days and nights
-planting ourselves in places and around people that help to bring nourishment to our spiritual lives
God is with us
Not a huge long list, but one that will bring the kind of prosperous, life-giving, fulfilling life that God has designed for us. And, we don’t have to do it alone. God is with us every step of the way. He has placed His Holy Spirit in us to help us as we seek Him. He has designed the church to work and play and live together, encouraging Christ-centered living.
Plant Yourself
I’m going to start now to plant myself so I can flourish and bear fruit in the life God specially created for me to live. How about you?
Action Step:
If you are not a part of a life-giving, bible-believing church, find one to visit in your area right now. Google it and make a plan to attend this Sunday. (If you are in the metro-east area of St. Louis, come check out Grace Church in Fairview Heights, Illinois. Don’t forget to come find me and say hi!) If you are already a part of a church, think about the Avoid/Embrace lists. Is there an area where you need to make adjustments in your life? Start today to plant yourself by streams of water where God’s light is shining on your life.
Prayer:
Dear God, thank you for a plan to help us live the amazing, fruitful life you have planned for us. Thank you for your guidance and help. Thank you for churches full of people who want to encourage and love one another like you designed. Help us to plant ourselves in you, put down deep roots so we are not shaken by storms, and flourish in Your presence. In Jesus’ Name, amen.