Water of Life

OPENING PRAYER:

Almighty God, you are my help and confidence. Without your assistance, I cannot see your workings or hear your voice.

READ: Psalm 1

Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked

or stand in the way that sinners take or sit in the company of mockers,

2 but whose delight is in the law of the Lord, and who meditates on his law day and night.

3 That person is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither— whatever they do prospers.

4 Not so the wicked! They are like chaff that the wind blows away.

5 Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the assembly of the righteous.

6 For the Lord watches over the way of the righteous, but the way of the wicked leads to destruction.

Psalm 1

REFLECT:

Ideally, find a tree near a stream… Alternatively, picture one in your mind’s eye!

Many years ago, we took a group of children to see a large tree beside a stream. The water was clear, and we could see the roots growing down into the water. It was a powerful illustration of verse 3 in this psalm.

The anonymous author begins this psalm by contrasting the faithful with the faithless. How he longs to see people avoiding the wicked (v 1) and delighting in the law of the Lord, rather than the law of mankind (v 2)! Then he offers practical advice – be like trees planted beside a stream. We’re told we will prosper and flourish if we let our ‘roots’ grow deep into his Word (vs 2,3). We need to trust and obey what God teaches us through the Bible, so that we can stand firm and not be swayed from the truth when the wind blows (v 4). I’m reminded of a friend who was tempted to have an affair. She was able to resist, because the words of Psalm 119:11 came to mind: ‘I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you’.

Over this past week, through the written word in Matthew’s Gospel, we have encountered Jesus, the living Word. It’s his power and authority that enable us to be like trees by a stream, with roots growing deep.

APPLY:

Are your roots growing deep? Ask God to help you find the spiritual nourishment you need, so that you can stay strong.

CLOSING PRAYER:

Powerful One, when the world has done its worst: pressured me, tempted me, I can plunge into despair. Thank you, Lord; your word and presence sustain me.

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