This summer our campers studied Psalm 1 and other passages that show how we need to be planted firmly in the truth of God’s word. This is the only way we will be saved and walk in God’s ways throughout our lives. Over the last few months of the year, we are going to look through some of the different ways we can be like that well-planted tree in Psalm 1.
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.
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
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.
Set yourself a Scripture reading challenge for the week. 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 it is, 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.
