March 14, 2023: Like A Tree Planted By Streams

"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 wicked are not so, but are like chaff that the wind drives away." (Psalm 1:3–4, ESV)

The 'one man' from verse one, why is he happy? He is happy because he delights in the instruction of the Lord. He does not gather opinions from the masses but life-giving instruction from God. Because he seeks wisdom from God, and not the world, the Psalmist says that 'one man,’ in the whole big desert of humanity, is full of life.
    
The 'one man' living from the counsel of God is like a tree in the desert planted by streams of water. He yields fruit in season, and his leaves never wither. This tree is a picture of a life grounded in the counsel of the Lord. We must understand that this 'one man' was intentional about where he planted himself. What sustains the tree is hidden. It is out of sight. But the tree knows where it’s life comes from. It’s roots reach for the living water! What are your roots reaching for?

The powerful product of his location, (the instruction of the Lord) causes him to prosper in everything! The wicked, as numerous as they are, do not have the right environment to stay green and productive. They are destined to dry up and be driven away by the wind.