Monday Morning Encouragement -- Like a Tree Planted By The Water

 

Source: https://www.heartlight.org/


Aren't you glad we have the Book of Psalms?


I find so much encouragement within its chapters, and so much food for worship there. Beginning with the very first Psalm containing a mere six verses:


Psalm 1

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.



Here we find that the person who reads and meditates on scripture is blessed. It's not difficult to see why. When we immerse ourselves in God's word the Holy Spirit teaches us and prepares us for what lies ahead. Each day brings its own joys and sometimes sorrow. In the sermon on the mount Jesus said, "Each day has enough trouble of its own" (Matthew 6:34).


And while we don't know what lies ahead each day, we do know who holds the day in His hands, and He watches over our every move. Never think for a moment that He is unaware of where you are and what you're going through. Every day belongs to Him, and though we may question what He has allowed to come into our lives, it doesn't deter Him from working all things together for the good of those who love Him (Romans 8:28).


By the way, it's okay to ask the Lord, "Why?". It's okay to be honest and say, "I'm struggling with this, Jesus." The Lord already knows we're questioning and struggling. Why not just be truthful and admit it out loud to Him? There's so much freedom in doing so. It doesn't anger Him or disgust Him when we tell Him we don't understand. David, who God called "a man after His own heart" wrote Psalm 13, wherein he first wrestles with feelings of God's abandonment, and then ends the psalm with these words:


 "But I trust in Your unfailing love; my heart rejoices in Your salvation. I will sing the Lord’s praise, for He has been good to me."


So, although the Lord may not give us an answer to our question, He reassures us of His goodness and we respond with praise.


Just like a tree planted by water, which remains healthy and strong and yields fruit at the proper time, when we plant our roots deep into the Living Water, we are spiritually healthy and strong and yield spiritual fruit at the time God appoints. 


This is a great blessing.


Today's catchy music video is a Psalm 1:1-3 Scripture Memory Song by Integrity Music. Listening to scripture put to music often helps us plant God's word in our heart and mind.





I love you, I'm thinking of you, and I'm praying for you.






6 comments

  1. I have been struggling with a great loss this past week. Prayers are appreciated. Beautiful music. Have a good week Nancy. xoxo Kris

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  2. Psalm 1 has been committed to my memory for several years now. Love bringing it up in my mind. Very encouraging words again Nancy. Thank you.

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    1. Memorizing scripture is so important, Ellen. God is always faithful to bring to mind those words we've put to memory just as we need them. God bless you.♥

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  3. Thank you for the wonderful post today Nancy. As read it I kept hearing the song, "Just like the tree, planted by the water, I shall not be moved. I shall not be, I shall not be moved, I shall not be, I shall not be moved. Just like the tree, planted by the water, I shall not be moved."
    Thank you for that!
    Blessings and hugs,
    Betsy

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    1. It's my pleasure to share God's word, Betsy. I'm glad God gave you a song to encourage you. Hugs.

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  4. I read your blog every week, but for some reason cannot comment from my ipad. Today I'm on the desk top, so I can comment.

    Thank you for sharing this Psalm and the wisdom of David. It's so good! I needed the reminder of watering my roots well, so they can go down deep!

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