Firmly Planted and Bearing Fruit

Psalm 1:3 tells of the rewards that are ours when we avoid walking bad paths and instead delight ourselves in God's Word & meditate on it day & night.

Firmly Planted and Bearing Fruit

"He shall be like a tree Planted by the rivers of water, that brings forth its fruit in its season, whose leaf also shall not wither; and whatever he does shall prosper."

(Psalm 1:3)

This week, I have been writing about deepening our roots spiritually by examining the first three verses in Psalm 1. In today's verse, we read of the rewards and blessings that are ours when we avoid walking paths we should not walk and choose instead to delight ourselves in God's Word and meditate on it day and night. The psalmist paints a graphic and memorable picture for those who choose Christ and serve Him. They are the ones who are planted by the rivers of water. Trees that bear much fruit have roots that are nourished by water. Those same trees bear much fruit because they are healthy.

The phrase "in its season" stood out to me. There are different seasons through which we all must walk. Some seasons are hard. There are times when you give your all, yet it seems nothing good will come from it. But there are also seasons of harvesting and rejoicing, when you see the fruit of your labor and enjoy your rewards. Some of you reading this devotional today relate more with the former group, those who are struggling and perhaps even doubting. Can I encourage you for a minute? The Lord of the harvest sees you, and in His perfect timing, there will be a harvest. You may have to wait until heaven to see the full effects of your labors, but that is okay. We serve at the request and commands of King Jesus.

Others of you are enjoying days of plenty. Your leaf is not withered, and you are prospering in your walk with God and bearing much fruit. I rejoice with you. I have been through both types of seasons, and I sure do enjoy the plentiful seasons much more than the barren ones. But the Lord of the harvest, Jesus, decides the extent, width, and impact of our ministries. If we focus on Christ and the depth of our walks with Him, then He will take care of the width or impact of our lives.

Some feel that they are just getting by, and this hard season will never end. As Christian artist Blessing Offer sings, "I know there's going to be some brighter days." Brighter days, fruit-bearing, prosperous days are coming. The joy and blessings may be commensurate with your current hardship. In other words, all the suffering and perseverance will be worth it one day!