Psalm 1 vs. 4. ” And he/she shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither, and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.”
Two devotionals back I ended with a question. I asked is there something we can do to receive God’s blessing over our life? Based on this verse, the answer is yes. There is much benefit/blessing to the reading of the scriptures. However, I have to ask another question. Is it right to read the Bible so that God will bless us, as though it is a formula; or is the point of studying the Bible to get to know The Lord and because of that relationship our lives are blessed? The Bible can be read from many different perspectives other than from the one it was given. Studying the Bible to be able to answer questions is good, it is even scriptural. Though if that’s the main motive, it tends to make one prideful. Yet reading the Bible to deepen one’s relationship with God not only are the scriptures learned, but it engenders a quiet and confident spirit. Same Bible, different motives, with different results. To read to accumulate knowledge to be viewed by my peers as wise, is self fulfilling. To sit quietly and allow the Holy Spirit to teach me, desiring to be pleasing to Him is not only is the correct motive, but it fulfills the purpose of my life. One Bible, different motives, with very different results. I have read the Bible from both perspectives, and reading to know Him is so much more peaceful and healing. It simply feels right.
From this latter perspective then is what the verse references. ” And he/she shall be like a tree planted by rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season;..” “Rivers of waters” is exactly what agriculture needs to insure its crops. Without a water source there would be no agriculture. To be a tree planted by a stream of water, is like being a mouse locked up in a cheese factory. Life could not be sweeter! God is our source of water, as Jesus himself said ” I am the living water, and he who drinks of me shall never thirst.” There are many “waters” from which to drink, only the “living water” forever satisfies, the rest – thirst will ensue.
“That bringeth forth his fruit in his season; ” it takes time for fruit to develop on a tree. We apply the McDonalds concept to our Christian life. We want it our way, and in 5 minutes or less. It takes much time for the Spirit to work with us. I would liken it to a spiritual Boot Camp. The Spirit needs to break down our pride and self focus and re-build in us a dependence and a focus or faith in God. It takes time, many “screw – up’s,” (unfortunately) and this is assuming that there is a consistent reading of the scriptures. There is so much bad fruit in us that it takes time for the Holy Spirit to change us. And if we read the Bible only here and there, it will take longer and be more frustrating. In the T.V series “The Biggest Loser,” how long do you imagine the contestants need to stay at it before they see any measurable results, five to six months? Yet the whole time “they’re dying.” It takes us much time to learn to die to self, let alone to even want too! The encouraging part is that fruit will come. There will be the “season” of ripe fruit where the quiet times with the Spirit and the scriptures will begin to manifest in our actions, speech and deeds. And for the most part, we won’t even be conscience of it. We are becoming “ambassadors” for Christ.
The balance of this verse we will discuss in next week’s devotional. In the meantime consider what are the obstacles that keep you from spending time with The Lord. Write them down and then write down what you feel would be the benefits to you and your family. Post the sheet where you will read it, and each time you read it ask the Lord to help you prioritize the benefits over the demands. It might mean you need to get to bed a little earlier to get up earlier when the house is still quiet; or leave work during lunch and find a quiet place to read. This is what work’s for me.
Father God,
Thank you for the practicalness of your teaching. Help me to see myself as you see me, in need of your “living water.” Cause me to be sensitive to the ” waters of men,” human praise and worldly values that seek to take the place of my need for You. Whatever gain I could have here, grant me the wisdom to understand that it pales in comparison to your love for me and an eternal relationship with You. Thank you and Amen. Arthur