meditating on it day and night.
3 They are like trees planted along the riverbank,
bearing fruit each season.
Their leaves never wither,
and they prosper in all they do.”– Psalm 1:2-3
They say a picture is worth a thousand words. Sometimes it can be worth thirty-seven.
One reason the author uses the image of trees planted along the riverbank as his illustration (it’s generally accepted this first psalm was written either by King David or the prophet Ezra), might be to clarify what is meant by “prosper,” since our concept of success might produce an entirely different picture.
Many people in western society would define prosperity as having more than we need; “plenty” to the point of excess. One definition of prosper is, indeed, “succeed in material terms; be financially successful.” There is another definition, however; one which I feel is intended by this passage with the image of the trees: “flourish physically; grow strong and healthy.”
A tree growing along the riverbank would have its roots “plugged in” to its primary source of life, water, and receive nutrients deposited along the shore. There is the sun above, warming the leaves and triggering photosynthesis. There can be no better place for a tree, especially in such an arid region as where this prayer was likely written.
It’s a fantastic metaphor for us to stay connected to God through His word, to meditate and think on Him and what He might want in our life.
The question begs, where are we rooting ourselves? Spiritually speaking, how can we be like the tree, fed constantly by His water and light? One way mentioned is to meditate on the law of the Lord. Read the Bible, even if it’s just a few minutes a day. This isn’t as hard it it might seem. Use your phone. I read most often this way, using the free YouVersion Bible app. Stuck in a long checkout line? Pull out your phone and read a few verses. Have to travel somewhere? Have the app read aloud a few passages or chapters while you drive. There are so many small corners of our day we can fill with His word with minimal effort. The more we fill ourselves this way, the more we know Him and the closer we grow in our relationship.
Not only read, but also think about what you’ve read. Talk to someone, ask questions.
Sometimes the best way to understand how to live in a growing, strong relationship with God is to think in images like the trees along the riverbank. Pictures are often easier for most people to recall than words. Let these images be ways of “seeing” our faith in new ways, helping us remember to stay connected to the One who fills us with life, and life abundantly.
Prayer
Lord, feed us, grow us, care for us. If we are in dry places right now, lead us to Your river’s edge, and fill us with the water of Life. Amen.
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