Like a Tree Planted…

For the past few weeks at church my pastor has been encouraging us to meditate on Psalm 1. My pastor is a smart, funny and handsome guy. Before you think me scandalous, I’m married to him so I’m allowed to say that stuff! Some of these thoughts are borrowed from the discussions we’ve been having at church. The first part of the chapter (verses 1-3) says this:

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.

Picture an old tree – hundreds of years old. So ginormous that you can’t put your arms around the trunk with huge, twisted roots drawing strength and health from its life source of flowing waters located beside it. Its deep roots contain a vast store of nutrients. When storms and winds hammer down, the tree is not moved. Its roots are steadfast. In the heat of the day, when the sun beats down, the tree provides shade and relief and fruit. It is a welcome sight to passersby who need protection from the elements.

Now picture this: The tree is you.

As you journey through life with God, you draw strength and wisdom, hope and joy to carry you along.  He is your life source. God’s words of love for you sink deep down and steady you and spill into every area of your life…who you are and how you operate in the world. When negative messages come your way, you are able to set them aside and cling to what He says about you. A driver cuts you off and you’re able to curb the angry blue streak that wants to jump out of your mouth. Your toddler is driving you crazy with tantrums and you’re able to patiently wrap your arms around them till they calm down. There’s a co-worker with a challenging personality that grates on everyone’s nerves and you’re able to resist sharing in the workplace gossip and extend friendship to that person.

Others are drawn to that anchoring strength and lean on you when they need a break from the storms of life. You shelter and shade others when you share a laugh with them and offer joy…when you truly hear them and offer compassion…when you roll up your sleeves and work shoulder-to-shoulder alongside them…when you remind them they’re not alone and offer love.

You do not offer these things because they come naturally to you or because you’re good at it. You offer them because they have been offered to you. They come from the overflow of your deep connection with God. If you cultivate deep roots and delight in God and His word, there will be an abundant supply of life and health to offer others. Be the tree and point to the Life Source.

Brenda E.