“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
We are currently living in a time when mental health issues are on the rise. Those struggling with depression, anxiety, and suicide are finding it increasingly difficult to cope with their circumstances and find the help they need to reach stability again. Even those who normally do not struggle with these issues are becoming increasingly more prone to bouts of anxiety and depression. We are lonely, we are overwhelmed with information, and our circumstances are largely out of our control. There is no timeline for when life will return to normal, and we are weary with waiting. So during times like these, it is hard to read verses like Psalm 1:3, which says:
“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.”
The description of the person in this verse seems largely unattainable and unrealistic. Trees are strong and rooted. When they are planted by streams of water, they have a constant flow of life-giving resources. This tree yields fruit in its season, which means that it accomplishes its purpose when it is meant to, and does not worry about the times when fruit is not being produced. It knows that there is a season for fruit bearing, and a season of rest. The leaves of this tree do not wither, which produces the image of a life without weariness and depression. The tree prospers in all that he does, because he bears fruit when it is time to, rests when it is time to, and all the time shows the glory of the one who planted it by being covered in signs of life. How in the world are we supposed to be this tree, when the world itself seems to have cut off our supply of water? The beginning of Psalm 1 gives us the how. Verses 1-3 together say:
“Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers; but his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night. 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.”
Our water supply is the Word of God. It is not a news broadcast, social media, our friends, our families, our comforts, or our jobs. Our water supply is the truth of who God is, that can only be found in His Word. The blessed man, the life-filled tree, meditates on God’s word day and night. This gives us life. This gives us the freedom to rest or to produce fruit. This gives us a hope that does not pass away with another lock-down or an eviction notice. So quit meditating on the words of politicians, social media influences, conspiracy theorists, and internet trolls. Instead, drink deeply of the living water that will bring life and hope to your weary soul.
My Prayer For You
Father, I thank you that your Word does not pass away or change with the rapid chaos in our world today. Thank you for giving us a source of life-giving truth. I ask that you would help us to keep the truth of your Word at the forefront of our hearts and minds as we face the truly difficult circumstances in our lives today. Help us to glorify you, even in our struggles and our pain. Amen.
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