Like A Tree! (1 of 3)

You’ve probably heard the statement, “Why don’t you make like a tree and leave!” We recognize this statement is a play on word association. However, to consider being like a tree is a focus presented numerous times throughout the Scriptures in a very positive sense. One of those prominent uses is a familiar passage placed at the very beginning of Psalms.

We read…
“(1) 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; (2) but his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night. (3) 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 1:1-3 ESV)

A picture of the blessed man (individual). The psalmist presented this image before contrasting it with a description of the wicked. The basic contrast is between the blessed who stand strong, living and thriving, while the wicked are like useless chaff blown away by the wind. ( Psalm 1:4) The blessed described here is the individual so focused on God, delighting in His Word, that they are well established. However, it is not by accident or chance! What is noted here bears the marks of PURPOSE. And this focus on the PURPOSE is associated with the tree’s (life’s) beginning and its continuing existence.

Lord willing, we will consider these two points regarding PURPOSE over the next couple days. In the meantime, read the passage again and meditate on the description of the blessed individual. Do you see your life paralleling the descriptions there? Are you sensing the strength and vitality pictured in the text? May we each consider the way in which God desires for our life to be pictured as we submit more and more fully to Him.

Have a great day EXPERIENCING THE BLESSEDNESS OF GOD!
Carl

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