In Terry Hershey Park stately old trees line Buffalo Bayou. I have a favorite Cottonwood tree where the Bayou bends. How did it get so tall? It has feasted on the constant supply of water. Whenever I jog along the bank, I remember Psalm 1.
God blesses the person who chooses his word over wickedness, sin and mocking. Like the trees along the bank of a river, so those who draw life from God's word produce fruit. Remember Jesus said, "I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit. Apart from me you can do nothing." Our neighbors have a very fruitful grapefruit tree. At the entrance to the park, beside their house they place a bag of fresh grapefruit every day at this time of year. One tree produces more than their family can eat.
Not only do those who meditate on God's word bear fruit, but they stand the test of time. Like the Cottonwood, they endure the storms of life. Like an evergreen tree, their leaves never wither. Whatever they do prospers.
One of my mentors in school inspired me to live in God's word day and night. I watched him as God blessed him and his family. To this day when I read Psalm 1, I think of him and his love for God's word. In stark contrast, our recent windstorm blew dead branches down. This is the lot of the wicked. They are blown away by life.
Put down deep roots into the river of God's grace today. Stand firm in the truth that God is saving you. Storms come. Trees planted by the river stand. Chaff gets blown in the wind. But not you!
