How to Be Like the Tree in Psalm 1: Rooted, Fruitful, and Faithful
This summer, our campers studied Psalm 1 and other key passages that teach the importance of being firmly planted in God’s Word. This rootedness is not just poetic—it’s the only way we are saved and empowered to walk in God’s ways throughout our lives.
As we close out the year, we’ll continue exploring how to grow into that “well-planted tree” described in Psalm 1.
What Does Psalm 1:3 Mean?
“He is like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in season, and its leaf does not wither. In all that he does, he prospers.” – Psalm 1:3 (ESV)
This verse promises that the one who delights in and meditates on God’s Word will thrive—yielding fruit in the right season and never withering.
But what does “prospering” look like when life feels anything but fruitful?
When Life Doesn’t Feel Prosperous
Today, we are going to explore verse three, which says that the tree “yields its fruit in season, and it does not wither. In all that he does, he prospers.”
2020 may not feel like your most prosperous year. If you’re a student, it may be challenging to go back to school with virtual learning or other changes. Others may be experiencing job losses, pay cuts, limited ability to see family and friends. These things can weigh heavily on us and make it seem like we are taking steps back or are not accomplishing our purpose.
However, the metaphor of the tree is not speaking about being secure in the things of the world- good grades, the perfect job, or a busy social life. Instead, the Psalmist is encouraging the reader that the blessed man is the one who internalizes the word of God and bears the fruit of a relationship with Him.
Encouragement from Philippians 1:6
Philippians 1:6 is an often-quoted verse that speaks to the assurance we have that we will “yield fruit in season.” Paul writes, “And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.” Though we might not be in the season we would choose for ourselves, if we remain planted in the Word of God, we can be confident that He is working out our salvation within us. This is even more unshakable than a well-planted tree.
Dig Deeper: How Suffering Produces Hope
While we do not draw close to God just for the gifts that come from bearing fruit, as a result of drawing near, we receive hope and peace from His presence. Even in difficult times, we are rooted in the work of Christ and He cultivates Christ-likeness within us.
Read Romans 5:1-5 below:
“Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. Through him we have also obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in hope of the glory of God. Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us.”
Consider the process that Paul describes in this passage. Even through suffering, the Lord is cultivating endurance within us which leads to hope and the fullness of God’s love. It may be challenging to be filled with hope and stand firm right now, but as you delve into God’s word, you are being made stronger and being given all you need to endure.
Spiritual Challenge: Stay Rooted in the Word
Set yourself a Scripture reading challenge for the week.
- Read Scripture daily for a set amount of time
- Memorize a favorite verse
- Revisit a meaningful passage or book of the Bible
Maybe it is a certain amount of time you want to dedicate to reading. Maybe you want to memorize a favorite passage or reread a certain book. Whatever you choose, devote yourself to it fully and cherish the privilege that it is to have access to God’s word.
Thank the Lord for giving us the Bible and for the power that it has to keep us rooted and grounded even when life feels uncertain.
